Ode to Icarus Painting

Ode to Icarus Always have and hold onto the faith … And your dreams. Believe in the impossible, and With imagination, everything becomes possible. I have always wanted to fly. From the time I was about 7 years old, I wished for that superpower. I even dreamed I could fly ... and I would awake exhilarated, but would quickly deflate when I realized it was just a dream. That desire no doubt contributed to my choosing to major in French at University... My junior year, I boarded my first plane (solo) and I never looked back. I almost had backed out, so terrified was I ... I am glad I went on that trip - my first of many to France and other places. It is always exhilarating once we take off... That joy keeps my fears at bay. Taking the first leap of faith proved to me that we must face our fears and keep on our path... It will take us to where we need to be. Background and Reflections: My first studio was in my mind, and in that mental studio my imagination could go wild twenty-four hours a day. In my mind’s eye, anything was possible. The same goes for my dreams. Although I suffer from insomnia, when I dream my dreams are complex, vivid, and in technicolor. They contain twisted plots and musical scores. In my dreams and daydreams, I could fly, and I decided that if I could have a superpower, it would be flying. Flying was freedom, escape, and independence. As the female half of a twin unit, I sought individual distinction and independence in defiance of the “twins must not be separated” philosophy of the day. Whenever the weather was good and homework finished, I would slip outside and climb up into our mimosa tree and gaze toward the Avenue, wishing I could really fly. Destination: Unknown. Anywhere would do. I imagined standing on our narrow porch roof, lifting my arms, and pushing up … and away, no flapping required. Somehow, my will alone would take me higher. Frequently, in my flying dreams there were people yelling and trying to grab my legs to pull me down or hold me back, but I would kick hands away and keep flying, excitement mounting as I climbed higher. My painting “Ode to Icarus” honors not only those moments, but also singer/songwriter Vanessa Collier, whose song “Icarus” resonates with me and inspires me to fly high. "Ode to Icarus" is a tribute to Vanessa Collier’s song "Icarus." Wracked with insomnia, my mind was filled with and almost haunted by the lyrics. My painting was created in my pop-up retreat studio in California in February 2019. The wings of this bold child are made of a palm frond I found on one of my morning walks. Seeing it, I knew I would have to incorporate into my Icarus painting – it was clearly his wings! After that, my thoughts focued on how to glue them to the canvas and paint my child-Icarus in the spirit of Vanessa’s image of him. Because I sought to show him almost touching the sun, I had to reinvent my technique to show (in paint) the melting of his wax-formed wings as he soared far above planet Earth. It was my conceptual attempt to capture the dreams and hopes carried in Vanessa’s song, those same hopes and dreams long-carried in my heart. I honestly couldn’t get it out of my head, so I knew I had to paint it. I knew it might not approach doing her song justice, but it is my tribute to the wonder of her song, music, and spirit. I discovered Vanessa Collier and her music in the Autumn of 2018, and as of March 2020, I have joyfully attended 4 of her energizing concerts in Maryland. She is a gifted, world-class talent and lovely human. We follow each other on Instagram/Facebook, and I was thrilled to see her share my post on this painting. Her/my words follow (quoted): This particular photo is one of my favorites from Elaine because of the brightness and the fact that after listening to ‘Icarus’ off my new record, she painted this!!! From Elaine: 'This is my painting “Ode To Icarus” inspired by your song on your third album… “Icarus.” Love it!! It makes my heart sing and I hope it encourages many people to continue to try to ‘fly,’ to not ever give up, and to keep becoming the best they can be.' " Fly high and believe in yourself!

Multi-paneled Painting:Acrylic on Canvas

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:30 W x 30 H x 1 D in

Number of Panels:2

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.