Lamia | 2015, oil on canvas, 36"x64" triptych
artist statement for "the myths"
I've always had a penchant for people. People are fascinating. From the eyes to the nose to the toes. Growing up with my older brother, we played many games, and read copious amounts of comic books. The expressions, and the dynamic stances of the characters are what hooked me. These artists had to tell a story through poses and stances. In our everyday life we too tell stories through our bodies. Whether it's the expression on our faces, or our body language, we have something to say. Although these are the more understandable ways to show emotion, I feel that it’s not the only way.
We often hide different parts of our bodies. The ones that are more grotesque, and different. The ones that are more vulnerable. By choosing these parts of the body, I show that they can still be beautiful regardless of how we perceive ourselves. These underestimated parts not only build up to make us a complete whole, but also tell individual stories about our weaknesses. Feet have never been the most sought after appendage of the body, but still, I've never been fond of my feet. When I stand for too long they turn red, they are pale, and show veins like train tracks, that criss-cross to my heart. Thus I've hid them all these years under socks, and sneakers. My vulnerable feet.
All the subjects for my paintings were photographed parts of my body. For this series I paint with oil paints on stretched canvas. I start with toning the canvas in a light pastel color, and then draw the line work in either red or blue. After that I mix my paint directly on the canvas, meaning I do not pre-mix my pigments/colors. From there it is just many layers of paint and blending. I mostly lean towards the pastels to take the idea of vulnerability one step further. By using these whimsical colors in conjunction with the raw parts of the body I am providing a separation from their true identity so that these pieces may stand on their own. Each piece is named after a Greek myth relating to that specific part of the body; ultimately each part has its own story to tell.