"Polaris No. 5 (Messenger)"

“Messenger” depicts a blackbird settled in front of the moon. Many cultures see this particular bird as a sign of wisdom. When looking for direction, the blackbird has been a spiritual messenger for many.

This portrait of the bird is one of the only pieces that uses a combination of colorful pastels in an overlay across a charcoal foundation. The purples, blues and greens shine over the black feathers. That subtle coloring was a beautiful thing to explore and highlight and required a very delicate approach to get the layering and form just right.

The background of the moon is rendered in pastel and the foreground circular echo shape is layered with a base of metal leafing and metallic acrylic paint.

The frame has a special meaning to me, as it is handmade by my brother Blake. He has lent his talent for woodworking to me and produced several beautiful frames for my work. The Purple Heart wood frames this particular piece and compliments the coloring in the bird portrait, leaving a large, white interior space to float the mounted tondo.

Polaris No. 5 (Messenger)

pastel, charcoal, acrylic, and metal leaf on mounted Stonehenge

12" diameter artwork size, 22x22" framed

2023

Available - Contact Artist

Polaris Solo Exhibition

Grand Bohemian Lodge Gallery

Falls Park, Greenville, SC