Posted by Virginia under New Directions, The Shows
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The earliest “Little People” paintings were born as tension relievers while I was working on “Camaraderie and Goodwill” – watercolor paintings of people in small town settings. I had bits of watercolor paper lying around in the studio and practiced tiny full length gestural paintings of people who were also in their off-moments. Visitors to the studio picked these up and expressed affinity. I handed the little paintings to them as a parting gift. At times, visitors would tell me what the person reminded them of. The memories came out as their own stories. I listened and took note and sensed that I had a civic gift to offer as an artist – the paintings would trigger story making. So after the show was over, I left off the backgrounds and painted people in moments of their lives.
“Board Game”
It was interesting me to to make up my own stories about people I saw from time to time. I kept pieces of paper in my pocketbook and jotted drawings/stories down quickly. The “Little People” paintings were painted one along with the other. As one painting was drying I moved it to the side of my table and worked on another and then another. In no time I had a “crowd” of people paintings in a box.
“Single Mother”
I framed them and found a venue. The balance of being part of the crowd and retaining boundaries and independence occupied my thoughts as I was putting the show together. In my own mind, the frames provided that stability and balance. Recently, the frames have come off and the balance is there anyway. A pleasant surprise!!
For each “Little People” show the nature of the crowd changes relative to the paintings chosen to be included. I haven’t had a “Little People” show as such recently, but I’m not done with this series. I know that.
“Board Game”
