Mississippi Mud in Your Eye, oil, 48" x 72" (Artist: D.J. Stone)
A bird’s eye view from the banks of eastern Arkansas, this area was once heavily
populated by Native Americans. Today, The Delta is home to a large African
American population. In native traditions the heron was regarded as a symbol
of wisdom. In Africa it is regarded as sacred and is thought to communicate
directly to the gods. My earthly palette and confident strokes on the AR side of
this composition signify the people who live and work close to the ground
where life is very real. The water serves as an interstitial area with strokes
changing direction, and to the left of the water the urban sprawl of Memphis
seems hidden under a mysterious and ethereal mist. What is most recognizable
is the Egyptian-inspired pyramid motif with the signal light shining red on top
like the eye of God. Opportunities can seem inconceivable to
those looking through a blanket of fog and who are mired in a cycle of despair. There is a silver lining in the real life story, however, because scores of children from the Delta have been given opportunities through the Delta Arts collaborations with Memphis arts programs and have made giant leaps into professional careers doing what they love.
Jeannie!
ReplyDeleteI JUST found this...LOVE IT❗️ Keep up the great work!