paris collection
2019-2020
During the summer of 2019, I lived in Paris. This collection of mixed-media pieces reflects the beauty, the mystery, and the “je ne sais pas” of Paris. Whether you’ve been there or not, I hope these images bring you some of the style and pleasure that is Paris.
********
Striding across paris
The style, the attitude, the beauty of the city call out and beckon you to become part of it. I got to do that for a season and I hope I can keep it alive in me forever. I hope it is captured in this picture.
Mixed-media on canvas, 36 x 24”, 2020
“and still i rise”
The inspiring words of Maya Angelou. These words and this image are meant to share a message of hope and power. We fall down, we may be pushed down, or beaten down, but still there is the rising.
Mixed-media on canvas, 48 x 36”, 2020
urban culture
Hip hop, rap, street dancing and street performers explode with emotion and creativity all over the world. Such a powerful phenomenon that cuts across boundaries.
Mixed-media on canvas, 48 x 36”, 2020
Such lovely innocence
So very, very old school Parisian. The innocence with a touch of knowingness. The modest sailor dress and tights with a bit of seduction.
Mixed-media on canvas, 48 x 36”, 2020
Summer love
Sweet and smoldering. Kind of an irresistible combination. Kind of perfect for a summer love.
Mixed-media on canvas, 40 x 30”, 2020
“i just want to be wonderful”
…and she tried so very hard. Despite her struggles, what a woman, what a life, and what a legacy.
Mixed-media on canvas, 36 x 24”, 2020
Public Faces, Private Tears (two women, one man)
Two gallery spaces a short distance apart — one featured photos of Marilyn, the other of Jackie. It wasn’t until I was home from Paris that I realized these two women had one man, JFK, in common. No wonder they didn’t want to share a gallery space. Their public faces were so strong and, yet, they must have had private moments of sadness, anger, and disappointment, just like we all do.
Mixed-media on canvas, 48 x 36”, 2020
Be my Baby
Do you remember that great, old, Motown song that went, “Be my, be my baby, be my little baby. Be my baby now…”? The Ronettes. So are we talkin’ about that cute little kid or that cute guy with the dreads and sun glasses? Your choice. Either way, this piece grew out of a poster on the Rue des Rosiers, in Paris, in the summer of 2019.
Mixed-media on canvas, 36 x 24”, 2020
Sensuous afternoon (LANVIN)
These posters. These poses. These models. This color palette. All emanate a relaxed and potent sensuality.
Mixed media on canvas, 54 x 60”, 2020
Medieval Sia
Who is this woman of long ago? I want to know this mysterious young woman with a blue ribbon in her hair and blue flowers on her cheeks. She was lovingly painted and exhibited and now I hope to give her a new life, free from the wall that held her, released to this new time and place.
Mixed media on canvas, 48 x 36”, 2019
pop Up
That Face. Beautiful, yes, but to me what makes it special rises from its intrigue. Its seduction. Where was she going to go after that photo was taken? Who is she and what is she about? Staring at me from the Rue de Turenne in the Marais in Paris, I couldn’t leave her behind.
Mixed media on canvas, 36 x 48”, 2020
Black Lace Stockings
She’s sitting on the ground on a street in Paris. Her feather boa droops, she’s a little disheveled, a little decadent, and loving every moment. Is it Paris chic or a spell cast by the fashion gods. I think I will start wearing black lace stockings.
Mixed media on canvas, 36 x 48”, 2020
Spot
I just fell in love with this dalmation. I saw him on a poster on the Rue des Archives where he was posed with a model in a pink dress and advertising for a fashion house called Maje. He looked like he just wanted to walk out of that photograph and connect with a real world and a real life. I had to rescue him and peeled him off the wall, but alas the glue was strong and one leg was lost. He is searching for his forever home.
Mixed media on canvas, 2019, 36 x 24”
Smudge
Smudge is another story. Also glued to that wall in the Marais on the Rue des Archives, she is a rascal, a scamp, a sweet free-spirit who was placed in a huge loafer advertising an expensive shoe for a fancy shoe company. Not a fitting place for this elegant mischief-maker. She needs balls of yarn, freedom and fun.
Mixed media on canvas, 36 x 24”, 2019
I Love You Like
Inspired by a poster seen on the streets of the Marais this summer. This piece reflects Paris’s magical combination of old elegance and contemporary cool all leveled by the sandpaper of time and wear and living. The original poster said, “I love you like Kanye loves Kanye.” Very funny and clever. But when I think of what I love my loves like, I don’t have words.
Mixed-media on canvas, 48 x 36”, 2019
SOLD
Your O
An homage to the particular cool that is Paris. Edgy yet beautiful and seemingly so devil-may-care. Riding an electric scooter in a three-piece suit. The original poster said: Your Ego is not Your Amigo. Another clever quip — and yet, the hand of time changes it, changes everything
Mixed-media on canvas, 48x36”, 2019
SOLD