These works from my “In Line/Line Up” series depict young girls who barely touch each other along with the juxtaposition of color with monochrome. The figures subtle proximity along with the use of color and the absence of color emphasizes the forces that keep them together yet at a distance. Metaphorically, these paintings explore our search for our own personal identity and our societal identity. The work asks what keeps individuals and therefore society in line and what does it means to step out of line? The grey figures draw the viewer’s attention because they seem out of place and not in line.  This child without flesh color stands out, disturbing the orderliness of the line. This asks the viewer to think in what way must we all toe the line?  Is our suppression of individual identity in favor of our public identity necessary for acceptance and success?

 

I don’t think we ever grow beyond our adolescent selves. All of us remain perpetual adolescents seeking acceptance and love. We spend our lives looking to find the place that we fit in and to find our identity that, we hope, will bring us our happiness. But the final form of our identity remains in the hands of others. It is the outsider’s interpretation of us that matters. What we see when we look in the mirror means nothing. Our identity does not come from inside but is represented in how others see us. We are at the mercy of others. The adolescent knows this, but we as adults choose to deny the truth and proselytize that you should not judge a book by its cover. The thirteen year-old girl knows that this is a lie; we have no control of our own identity.

 

This series consists of both works on paper and works on canvas. The works on paper are done with gouache/graphite and measure no more than 7 inches. The paintings are done with oil and vary size from as small as eight inches up to 76 inches.