Gaslight Artwork

Layers upon layers of acrylic paint were carefully applied over a collage made from a tattered American History book from 1918, giving the artwork a unique texture. Fine grains of sand mixed with the paint added roughness and depth of perception, while tiny wood chips were scattered throughout the piece. And hidden within the chaotic mix of media was the iconic image of Mickey Mouse, a nod to the vibrant and colorful world of cartoons. As the artist worked on this piece, she thought of the underground speak easy's that flourished in downtown Los Angeles during prohibition. The colorless faces in the abstract soon became infused with bold hues, reflecting the lively atmosphere of these secret clubs. However, when the selection was submitted to an Abstract Juried Show in Santa Barbara, the jurors had a different opinion. They criticized it as talent-less, ordinary, and lacking in imagination with no conscientiousness. But as she read their remarks, the artist couldn't help but wonder if they had ever experienced the colorful chaos of a Los Angeles taproom, skid row, and Union street in DTLA at 4 am? This mixed media artwork was crafted on a sturdy pine wood panel, with layers of texture reminiscent of the diverse faces the artist has encountered in her travels.