Working title: Liberty at Maiden Rock

The news last week exposed just how many people are wearing rose-colored glasses. Many of the artists, musicians, and writers that I have talked to since are disconnected from their practice, while others are diving in deep. I’m in the latter, but certainly, the joy of life was sucked right out of me, much like how the cold frigid air of sub-zero temps does to my lungs, compromising my ability to breathe.

I am now pushing through all of this thoughtfully, evaluating where I want to stand and how to find that joy again. I’ve decided that this piece will probably only be exhibited since it’s not going to be a typical “let’s decorate the living room” work. In a sense, it’s for myself, to make conversations happen, to document the feelings and emotions of the time. There certainly will be a zeitgeist related to this event, much like the work produced during Covid, another historical marker. But mark my works… hell yes!… if someone wants to buy it, I’ll mark it sold. Otherwise, I have an empty wall it will fit nicely on.

Back to the subject at hand, though. When I read the headlines the morning following the election, one of them was that the citizens of Wisconsin shifted the balance. Not that they did it completely on their own, but the timing of the ballot count was the key moment that clinched the outcome. There is irony in that. The painting is set in Maiden Rock, where I used to live, which is in Wisconsin. Democracy meets her fate there? Oh boy.

If you’re not up to date, the legend of Maiden Rock can be found here, but basically legend states that Wenonah (Winona), not wanting to marry a deceptive man she didn’t love, she leapt to her death. The link I provided is one of the better versions of the story. My painting. is now becoming an allegorical one and Democracy’s fate is dependent on if she walks the path to the precipice.

As news comes in of where we stand amongst each other, I continue to adjust some things and the drawing of Liberty that I have been working on keeps evolving the more I hear, see, and read. My thought is that Liberty will be holding what’s left of the broken scales of Justice, and the flames of the torch’s fire (light) which symbolizes enlightenment and guides people toward freedom and justice will just begin to catch fire to her robe (good luck to me pulling that off!) The robe will be sheer compared to Lady Liberty of Ellis Island fame, exposing the figure as the rights and freedoms are stripped from her. I’ve also discovered that there is a statue of Wenonah who is holding what appears to be some sticks with her other hand raised, shielding her eyes from the sun while she looks to see if her beloved is returning to her. I don’t know if I will adjust my drawing but I like the idea of seeking a return of true equality in the democracy of our country.