Title: La Sirena / The Mermaid
Size: 18” x 24”
Year: 2007 September
Medium: Oil; sterling silver leaf; antique 24kt. Gold
glazed tile mosaic; semi-precious stones on vintage Ponderosa
Pine wood panel reclaimed from a 1904 wood mill and formed by
an artisan wood worker into a single panel.
Image Inspiration:
The mermaid is strong and iconic. Her tail
swoops above her, creating a sort of crown. The shape of her
tail and body combine to create a shape reminiscent of plant
life. A horizon line of sterling silver leaf goes through her
eyes, reminiscent of sea foam. The mosaic embracing her is
studded with sea shells amid 24kt. gold glazed ceramic tile
pieces.
I spent my early childhood living by the sea. I used to see pictures of mermaids and think that they were mostly all wrong looking renditions of sexy sea nymphs waiting for a sailor to fall overboard and float into their domain. This mermaid is different. She represents the ocean as a life giving, beautiful place but with the feeling that the dark and foreboding side of her world is also present. I love the sea, yet I'm always a bit afraid of the dark, unknown waters around me. She is my homage to the beautiful changeable sea.
