Kites: Who, What, Why….

A nude figure, a blue horse, a key, a radish, a lion’s head . . . I paint the human form and archetypal symbols as they occur in the rich tapestry of dreams, a narrative that unfolds like a play.  I choose symbols that are common to me, with occasional reference to religious archetypes and Jungian philosophy.  I choose my human figures based upon their strong physical presence and how “sexy” – that is, mentally arousing - the pose might be.  The photographs of Imogen Cunningham and Ruth Bernhard, as well as Edwardian harem images, influence me through their strong contrasts and dramatic states of being.  Also, I have always admired the vibrant color and cloisonné of Gauguin.

I started painting on kites to challenge myself technically and mentally.  Working with new media often helps me be less constrained, at least initially.   The kite panels are painted flat; adding the framework dissects the compositions and puts emphasis on certain unexpected body parts.  I find the result intriguing.

         The kite paintings are intended as wall displays.  Their construction and framework, however, enables them to fly as well as to sit quietly.

Kites are defined as a light framework covered with cloth, plastic, or paper,designed to be flown in the wind at the end of a long string. As icons, kites are other-worldly,the essence of parable with Icarus’ warning of what humans cannot achieve.  

As a challenge to “What is a painting?”  I’m amused by the idea that a kite is both symbol and canvas.