6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord
Celeste Bergin asked me if I felt sorry for the people I am painting. I've given this a lot of thought and it isn't an easy question to answer, especially with a simple yes or no. I don't know any of these people and I make an effort not to know for what crime they have been accused and their names. Some of the mug shots were taken at time of arrest and some after they have been convicted. So, for me this is an exercise in learning. However, having said that there are times when I feel a sadness, sometimes a profound sadness, sometimes less, but always complex. It's a feeling not only for the person, but for all the people this person has touched. When a crime has been committed from the less serious to the most horrible there are consequences that ripple far beyond this one person. For me, this is a complex issue and not an easy task to compress my thoughts into a few sentences. So, I would say that feeling sorry doesn't enter the picture as much as sadness. Thanks, Celeste! it's a thought provoking question.
I like this one, Linda, the portrait is striking!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written. I love the consistency of these portraits Linda. Both your words and paintings are evocative and thoughtful.
ReplyDeleteHey Linda...what a surprise to find me in your post! This portrait is especially great, I am amazed that you got so much clear information on such a small panel. I probably asked you that question because I was on a jury not long ago. The defendant's defense was mental illness. In the end, I was the only one who voted "not guilty". We were told not to consider our feelings for the defendant in our final verdict (only facts). I think I did use facts only, but I was the only one who saw it the way I did. I am in awe of people who devote themselves to helping others in prison. I would like to do it...but I know I can't. I like your series a lot, because in a small, but grand way..your portraits pay homage to the people who lost their way. It seems..........oddly respectful :)
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the shout out.
Linda your sentiments are eloquently stated. In viewing these faces there is a profound sense of sadness for lives lost.
ReplyDeleteYour response is wonderful. I'll bet we can all relate for one reason or another. Your painting is well done. May God have mercy on us all.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I think you are capturing that sadness or the moment of lostness in these faces as you go. I think that you don't know them allows you to focus in on what you see and then sense from them. I can see such a learning curve here in a dedicated series to one subject and congrats to you for sticking to it.
ReplyDeleteWow, such an interesting series! The undercurrents of the back story really comes through with your paintings, making them resonate with meaning as well as making them visually exciting.
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