ONCE UPON A DREAM

Collate
Mixed Media
(Sheet music, bleached x-ray film, plastic table cloth, paint, vinyl mesh, plastic jewels, printed paper)

8 X 10
December 29, 2024

This mixed-media artwork intertwines visual elements, textures, and layers of meaning to evoke deep emotional resonance. At its center, a grayscale figure of a woman draped in flowing white fabric contrasts sharply with a vibrant, mosaic-like backdrop of warm gold and orange tones, balanced by cool blues and whites. Circular pink and red gem-like motifs scatter across the composition, hinting at the rhythm of jazz and blues, while a rectangular black frame emphasizes the figure, creating a "window" effect that adds depth. The figure’s drapery symbolizes grace and sensuality, contrasting with the geometric and organic textures in the background, representing the balance between fluidity and structure.

The text "BILLIE'S BLUES (I Love My Man)" anchors the piece in the emotional and cultural legacy of Billie Holiday’s music, invoking themes of intensity, vulnerability, and resilience. The layering of materials and the interplay of warm and cool tones echo the bittersweet nature of love and longing in blues music. Circles and gems allude to musical notes or rhythms, while the flowing fabric mirrors the emotional ebb and flow of human relationships, creating a visual rhythm that parallels the improvisational nature of jazz. The artwork, with its shrine-like quality, honors Billie Holiday’s influence, blending nostalgia for jazz with a modern, layered aesthetic that invites viewers to connect emotionally to its complex themes of love, resilience, and the enduring power of music