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A Domesticated Cat
This surrealist scene gently pokes fun at our tendency to attribute human characteristics to our pets. Here, a lioness carrying her cub strolls through a museum in front of “paintings” (digitally manipulated photographs) of lions “crowned” with necklaces I designed. The lioness may be giving her cub an art lesson or showing him what he will become when he grows up. Either way, he wishes he were somewhere else, as indicated by his less-than-thrilled expression reflected in the mirror. The tawny colors of the lions in the photographs, the lioness and her cub contrast with the olive green walls and the reddish-brown wooden floor of the room. Intended to be seen close up, this assemblage fits well in small spaces.
Fully appreciating the cub's expression in the mirror requires seeing the up close, making this framed sculpture especially suited for small spaces.
Materials used to create this mixed media scene include dollhouse miniatures, wood, mirror, a realistic model of a lioness with her cub, and paper.
Custom framed with museum glass in a sophisticated deep wooden frame in collaboration with Chevy Chase Art Gallery, Washington, DC.
Frame color: Black
Size (in inches): 11 x 13.75 x 4
Ready to hang.
Framing
Though many designs appear simple, each work in fact takes several months to create. The final version is rarely the one initially envisioned; the laws of gravity force numerous adjustments. Execution involves a multitude of skills, some of which are acquired specifically to achieve the desired artistic result. In fact, it took several years of experimenting before I even hit upon a technique for creating assemblages.
The framing process is itself a component of the work, both conceptually and artistically. Though the frame is clean and modern in appearance, the framing process is not as simple as it seems. The determination whether to create a "room" (as with Born Free) or an intimate atmosphere (as with What Price Silence) is in fact part of the artistic process.
Works are custom framed to provide sufficient depth to accomplish my artistic goals as well as to support the weight of the work (often 40-60 pounds). The 4-inch deep decorative wooden frame curves outward to bring the work closer to the viewer.
As many designs are supported by the base as well as the backing, the framing process can be tricky. It took several months of experimentation to determine how to create a work that it was practical to frame. The glass protects the work from damaged caused by dust and dusting.
