THE ORGINS OF THE "MEDUSA"
This piece is a tribute piece to Nikki Talley (she is standing next to this piece). One day upon a conversation that we were having with her and her son; Nikki happened to glance at her son with a look - and then it struck me...for I was having an artist block. I realized at that moment; she was the inspiration that I was waiting for and we were discussing the topic of snakes in life who try and snuff out your individual light…. For this piece - I had incorporated her face as the medusa, the side profile was done by memory. In Greek mythology, the legend states that medusa was a beautiful maiden who was taken advantage of by Poseidon in Athena’s temple. As punishment Athena had transformed Medusa’s hair into serpents and made her face so horrific that the sight of her would turn any one into stone. In the end, she lived an isolated life until Perseus beheaded her as his conquest prize for King Polydectes of Seriphus. At the time she was pregnant by Poseidon. When she was beheaded a beautiful winged horse, a Pegasus sprang from her body as well as a Chrysaor, a golden sword wielding giant. I personally believe medusa was a strong woman and even in death was valiant. The white snake that coils around her neck below was to seduce the onlookers into the piece. I hope you enjoy this, it is so far one of my most favorite pieces…
Medusa
2013
Title: "Medusa"
Medium: Graphite and Charcoal on Paper
