Concentric Circles: December 2009

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Contest: Shepard Fairey

DeviantArt.com is hosting a contest by Shepard Fairey, to reinvent his poster "Love Unites." There are a lot of prizes, but the one I'm excited about is an original Shepard Fairey artist proof, signed. Too cool. So, here is my version, and the original. Please tell me what you think.

(Lela Witherspoon. "Love Defies"

Ink and pastel on paper. 09.)

(Shepard Fairey "Love Unites.")

Artist Statement.

I am madly and utterly fascinated by the illusion of dualities. “Man versus woman” and “humanity versus nature” seem to be the biggest misconceptions around. We are human and we belong to the earth. The edge between these dualities are what I try to highlight in an effort to bring attention to the mental divide between them.

Visually, the “ripple” has been the strongest theme in my work for years. The symbolism in radiating circles that blend, layer, and interact with each other resonates with me. Whether you see water ripples, actions and consequences, or chaos, I believe it is a symbol that most people can approach and find meaning within.

Lately, I have also been experimenting with vintage photos. I'm in love with the idea of an image that has been cast off, and finding the art within it. I love how this connect with our history, with people who are dead and gone, and with my own exploration and search for these images.