Why Skeletons?

"Night Float" 2004

 
     I have been a fine art painter painting in Flagstaff AZ for over twenty years. I was born into a family of artists . A third generation painter my work is rich in history and symbolism.
I am widely known for my Skeleton paintings.  These lively skeleton characters depict the passion and some of the humor of life.
     I started painting some traditional Day of the Dead Style paintings over ten years ago for one of my Shows at MartAnnes Breakfast Palace. I painted images inspired by Jose Posada and translated some of his iconic black and white prints into full color paintings. moved by the humorous depictions of the Calaveras(Sculls) created my own paintings of White water Rafting Community where I live in Flagstaff AZ.

Here are brief descriptions of some of the different series of paintings I have done over the years.

 
Traditional Day of the Dead
Traditional images inspired by Jose Posada a famous Mexican illustrator and many traditional subjects people Dancing  playing music and generally enjoying life!
 
Under the Skin of History
Skeletons appropriated into famous iconic works of art Birth of Venus by Botticelli, American Gothic by Whistler ect.
 
Skeleton Pin-ups
These vixens are sassy and sexy…but where is the flesh that is the object of so may people desire? They are flayed to the bone. It is their attitude and the way they carry themselves that makes them so alluring.
 
 
Skeletons that won the west
This is a series of paintings done on real historical figures if the American west.  There are also some Cowgirl Skeletons pin-ups thrown in for good measure.
 
Bloody Babies
These are Cute Little Baby animals with big eyes splattered with red drips.
 
Barbie Goddesses
These paintings were inspired by the iconic Doll that we give to our children to play with. Toys are learning tools and we are teaching them to strive for the Blonde ideal.
The first goddess I did was Sarasvati and Lakshmi…then Barbie the Destroyer
 
Mexican Calendar Girls This is a group of 12 paintings I painted for a calendar in 2010.
Skeletons are appropriated into very traditional vintage images by famous Mexican painters.
 
Sacred Images
I have always been fascinated by history and world religions.  These fleshy depictions include some traditional Catholic Saints as well as Tibetan gods and goddesses and deities  from many different cultures.

Day of the Dead on the River
Inspired by the celebration of life Dia de Las Muertos.
These dudes are Dying well!
Living life to the fullest.
 
Vino Loco
Calaveras (skeletons) inspired by wine making and enjoying.
 
Earth Girls
These fabulous girls are personified images of the earth.  You will find many of them floating in Space and surrounded by satellites and dresses in mountains clouds and power lines.  Roads and rivers may tie their dresses together. You may find them wearing a Bee crucifix, the sad depletion of these pollinators is due to poisons we use that were originally developed for chemical war fare. The Bees are dying for our sins and our use of Round up weed killer.
 
Taking Back the Fishnets
These mostly skeleton girls are fantasy portraits of real Flagstaff Derby Girls as their derby persona.
Who couldn’t love names like Taco Tuesday and Bad Trip!
 

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