The Art of The Fool

Recently I was invited to participate in a group show celebrating the artwork and history of the Joker card. The curator's partner has an impressive collection of these playing cards and wanted a forum to display and share them; therefore, sharing a passion of his with the boutique's collection of artist was a natural development.

My entry, "Who is not a fool?", is approx. 8"x24" made with acrylic paint, collaged paper with a final resin coating on a wooden cradled panel. I approached the challenge of creating a painting based on someone else's interest the same I would a graphic design job. I researched, sketched out ideas, planned, referred to the "design brief" many times and then executed & refined my painting. In the end I felt I had successfully interpreted the brief. However, I was concerned that maybe I was being too literal to include numbers, card symbols, even the set up of 2 card-like forms. Perhaps I it is too organic. Maybe not enough (apparently self-doubt is abundantly thriving in my mind).

Eventually I made my peace with the painting telling myself it is a new expression of techniques I learned in the workshop I took with Jill Pilon. "If it sells," I told myself, "I will have paid for the course." Off I took it to the gallery/boutique, tartooful, to be hung. 

What enthusiasm I received! I am filled with appreciation from all who commented on it so favourably. Your support made the entire experience that much more satisfying for me. And happy time, my piece sold on Opening Night.