Dolores

"Oh my life, is changing everyday, In every possible way, And oh my dreams, it's never quite as it seems, Cause you're a dream to me, Dream to me" The Cranberries

​     I began to bring her to life after a series of road blocks in my personal life. I felt unmotivated to draw on records and needed “pick me up” project. I’ve learn after being an artist for many years, that it’s important to explore new things. Try new mediums, different surfaces, and experiment with new techniques. For many years, I used cut paper collage and acrylic paint.  I don’t think I could ever settle for one way of doing art for the rest of my life. I know what "my thing"  was but I’m always trying to find new ways to make art interesting. I believe that’s how you truly grow, not just an artist, but as a person as well. 
     I spent lot of my time researching on Instagram and seen some artists use mannequin parts as a canvas. I became very motivated to tangle a torso.  I didn’t do much planning beforehand and just dove right in. I began with her rib area and the rest just came alive with endless patterns and designs.
    During this time, one of my childhood hero’s passed away, Dolores O’ Riordan. I knew I had to name my mannequin after her. I spent many nights listening to The Cranberries and creating these patterns on her. Even though I was not drawing on records, my work is still inspired my music.
     I definitely learned a lot of patience during this project. I underestimated how long it would take to create her. Hours would go by so fast and I would only get a few inches done. I would post my progress on Instagram because I wanted my followers to be part of Dolores’s journey. We were all very eager to see her come alive.
    When I create art, I just do it. I don't really have any intention of making it look like or represent something.This stuff literally just pours out of me. I just draw until i feel I'm finished. After she was done, it took me some time to really get to know Dolores.  As I really look at her, I feel I had brought out her inner beauty to the surface. Some of the patterns were look like veins, capillaries, and vessels. It's as if I just gently scrapped away a layer of skin to show what was underneath. 
     I decided to share Dolores on a few facebook groups and the reaction from strangers was surprising.  Many women were very moved by her. Two breast cancer survivors messaged me and asked if leaving out the right breast was intentional. I honestly never thought about it and was it and was trying to switch up the symmetry to make her look more interesting. I was so happy to hear how inspiring Dolores was to them.
    Now, Dolores has moved to California. I've been inspired to great more of these tangled rock goddesses. These pieces of art are much deeper than intended and I'm happy it's inspiring to those around me.  Please stayed tuned for...Shirley.