Golden Moon

Painting description: 30"x30" acrylic on stretched canvas.

Artist's Statement

This painting is an abstract depiction of a woman undergoing a violent transformation. Violent in the sense that the change was imposed upon her and not one she initiated. Understanding the inevitably that we change when we endure mistreatment, we have a choice to either grow and heal from the events or to use them as a crutch.

By choosing the former, our transformation can result in strength and courage. The lyrics of Cocorosie's song Promise served in part as inspiration for the abstract depiction of this painting.

Consider these lyrics...
"Stitched together like pants and sleeves"
"Danced to dust and dusk"
"Our hands hold bonfires burning bright"
"a rush purged me of my past"
"And a tiny chorus of swallows Swung open the door freed the caged bees and wallows swarm"
"Tempt my werewolf not to run"

By considering the lyrics above and reflecting on past events, I chose to name this painting "Where Wolf". Essentially, the painting's title is a question, "Where is your Wolf?" In other words, "Where is the Monster that Transformed You?" I chose to use the wolf to illustrate a monster, since real wolves are known for stalking their prey many days, and in fantasy, the werewolf is a monster.

The self reflective question posed by the painting's title asks... Is your Monster at the Forefront of Your Life Serving as Your Crutch so That You Never Grow and Heal? Do You Allow Your Monster to Continually Stalk You?

Or Have You Grown and Healed? Have You Faced Your Monster and Vanquished It?

As I look at this painting, I am reminded that we all face disdain and torment from others. At times, we cannot prevent it. We also face monsters from within. Yet, we choose how we respond to our monsters.

For the monsters I've faced, I feel that I have grown and healed. Meditating upon where I am today gives me courage for facing the monsters yet to come.