The Artist and her Work.
 

"L'Artiste et son Oeuvre"

Alternative title : " The Artist and her Creation "

21" x 31" , Oil on cut out panel.

Beautiful, Marina! I love your continued theme. It is interesting how here you bring the artist's inspiration, work, and creation (I seem to be stuck on that word) to the fore, while the artist is in the background. It is in a sense a reversal of the idea that the artist is the "real" one and her work is the "illusion." Then there is the realization that the artist is actually reflected in a mirror. Compound this with the whole oval appearing to slip out of the frame, and the illusion itself is shattered. You are presenting so many thought-provoking aspects. I think of a new one each time I look at it. Your skill is awesome, too!

This is so lovely. So many levels. Absolutely wonderful work.

Interesting that your work is to capture her, but her work is to create herself.

(If that's not putting too fine a point on things.)

Wonderful painting!

Tom, you summed it up greatly. Lovely as always!

Marina this is clever, playful, wonderfully executed. It's a pleasure to look at it and finding new meanings
Ilaria

Thank you all !
this painting came from a rather simple idea, in the series of the trompe-l'oeil frames, and then I developped the idea adding layers of meanings. Now I'm not sure I can explain them all, but it was fun to do. I even added a second frame in the background : a little part of my husband's portrait... I didn't want this painting to be only a matriarchal allegory, this little girl has a father, and a part of my creativity depends on his critique eye, technical, moral and financial support...
I don't think I will be able to push this theme further the next time !

Excellent as always! Your work is always very captivating and has so much meaning. Technically superb also!

Wonderful, Marina, on so many levels.

What a great story this tells. It immediately pulled at my heartstrings You stand in the background the participant in her creation and she is in the process of creating her own self, together you are collaborating on a work of art, that little person - wonderful, wonderful story.

And your execution is beautiful as well. Would love to view this one in person...

Carlos, Michele and Pat : thank you so much for your nice comments!
It's really interresting to hear about what particular meanings you find, I hadn't think to all this... Well, maybe, but not in words, and it's interresting to hear the translation of these feelings and images I had in mind, and I tried to paint.

Clever - and drop dead gorgeous!
Is it meant to be framed, or how is it displayed on the wall?

Beautiful! Marina, your skills are top notch!

David

Thank you Heidi and David !
Heidi: the painting is made on a cut out panel. In my opinion, this kind trompe l'oeil mustn't be framed, and should be varnished with mat varnish, in order to keep the illusion as long as possible.
Here is a photo showing the hanging system.

Marina,

I am speechless. So beautiful. So thoughtful.

Very nice work, Marina.

Thank you, John and Thomasin !

Marina, it is so nice to see a photo of your painting hanging in actual space. I cannot get over your ability to impart the sense of symbolism without pushing allegory in the viewer's face. It's truly remarkable! Your confidence, intelligence, strong design sense, and lack of pretense shine through in this work.