A couple of people asked me recently in separate occasions what drives me when I make. And both times I said, honestly thinking about it every time, that it is the story. I know when something is complete when the story comes together. Most of the time I don't know the story before I start making, although often I have a hint, a word, an image, an item that I want to work with, and I don't stop working until I'm satisfied. And what satisfies me, is the story that connects the dots.
In fact, once I'm satisfied, I usually keep on working. It is exactly at that point that I start working even harder, very intentionally, feverishly, because I see the path and I'm decided to follow it. This is what happened with the sculpted creature here.
I knew I wanted texture, an extra sculptured element. I had a background image that had developed through a process of trial and error until it made sense. There was some space that asked for attention. I added a blob, it looked shiny and interesting, but it was not enough. I already had at that point the general idea of a creature protecting the figure (or at least what I saw as a figure) in the background, so then I intently started working towards making it clear, at least to me. And since I had a story, once the image was complete I felt the need to enhance it with a poem, heroic and just a tiny bit cheesy, like a pure heart.
It is all about reciprocity, loyalty and lawful goodness, in an RPG sense. The dog is the archetypal embodiment of these qualities, but people assume similar roles, especially towards those they feel the need to protect and nurture, which are often children, siblings or peers that are perceived as weaker. Generosity, kindness and care can be contagious, and the last lines of the poem show how strong, trusting relationships can build up from small gestures.
The painting is 20x20, acrylic on canvas (including the 3D elements) and just a bit of mixed media.
I will protect you
I will protect you
from the thing
that tails you through
wind and rain.
From what finds you
in the sun
and drags you
back below. I will
be the guard
dog, the watcher, the
catcher, the shield
the amulet, the one
you touched
and did not hurt.
