After the Show

he magic for the people is when the show is going on, the magic for me is when the show is over. Everyone is leaving. I carefully remove my mask, no longer needed, thankful for it’s service. The air is electric, it pulses. Strength and courage fill me as my transformation begins. An essence of being grounded and in touch with the earth and so lifted as if I will reach the lights in the sky. I walk, I gallop, I reach…and I touch the stars.

Details:

After the Show, 2022

Oil on stretched canvas

24 x 30 inches, 1.5 ” depth

Behind the Scenes:

“After the Show” began as an idea in my head of a carousel horse whom put all of this makeup on to become something for everyone else. At first, it felt like the horse was making this ultimate sacrifice for the people. My concept was dramatic and sad. As I painted this horse, it transformed and became a beacon of hope instead of a symbol of sacrifice. As long days go, it turned into a long night with my husband and I discussing the horse’s story, my story, his story…our story. It became evident that it wasn’t a sacrifice, contrary it was a journey through gratitude and optimism. The horse would fly.