Appreciating What’s Underneath

Let’s talk about bones. This can mean…

The bones of a house.

A skeleton.

A composition.

I didn’t realize that I had a love for bones until I had the opportunity to watch a recorded autopsy. They dissected a preserved cadaver from the skin down to the bone. We could see the muscle fibres, tissues, fat, ligaments, tendons, bones - everything. 

I never really thought about what made the shapes underneath my skin before. I’m having this experience where I’m challenging all of the things where I thought I knew how they were shaped.

Did you know that when you brush your teeth, it’s the only time you’re cleaning your skeleton?

I Find These Humerus

What do you call it when a skeleton is having a good time?

An osteoblast.

Why are bones so calm?

Nothing gets under their skin.

Why are skeletons such bad liars?

Everyone can see right through them.

A Shift in my Art

In my earlier work, I’ve shown perspective and depth to give you opportunities to look through the leaves or stems and see what's beyond. I still want this, and I want to consider more about what’s inside or underneath. The bones.

I’ve started collecting bones. I recently got a chameleon skull in the mail from another artist that makes them out of ceramic. I also have an 3d printed replica owl skull. I’ve painted these animals, and now I’m wanting to see their bones. To see what makes them the incredible shapes they are.

My art is still pretty but I’m putting more into it. I’m directing more and being more intentional. It used to be “This is what I see, I’m gonna paint it”. 

Now, it’s more like “This is what I feel when I look at this. This is what I want you to see. I want you to look at this painting and see that red. Can you see that red? Yeah, you see it. This red is amazing. Dang I’m good.”

I don’t want you to see what the camera can see, I want you to see ME.