This is another new painting headed to the Principle Gallery this weekend for my show there, Part of the Pattern, which opens next Friday, June 3. This piece is 14″ by 34″ on paper and is titled , The Untold Want. The title was taken from the title of a very short poem from Walt Whitman that contained the phrase that spawned and became the title of the Bette Davis movie, Now, Voyager.
It’s a great film with a great cast, the kind of movie that could not be made today without becoming something other than what it was intended to be. It’s the story of a young lady from a wealthy family who is hindered and defined by an overbearing mother. She suffers until she meets a therapist (played by the great Claude Rains) who finds a way to let her break free and find her own definition of self. To discover her own untold want. He quotes the Whitman poem as she leaves his care. He has given her the tools and she, the Voyager, must discover the world on her own.
There is a lot more to it than that, of course. But I think that little synopsis captures what I see in this painting. I see it as being about moving out into the wide world on one’s own terms, unafraid to show oneself as they truly are. Visible for all to see, flaws and all, and ready to uncover all the mysteries that the world has to offer.
At least, that’s how I see this piece. I like it, like the feel of it, like the color and tone of it. It has a sturdiness and simplicity that I find appealing, like a piece of Craftsman furniture.
Here’s the poem:
The untold want, by life and land ne’er granted, | |
Now, Voyager, sail thou forth, to seek and find. -Walt Whitman, The Untold Want |
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REMINDER: Engage Nepal
The clock is running on the event for the Soarway Foundation. Every donation of $25 and above gets a signed poster like the one shown below as well as a chance to win a painting of mine valued at $5000. This event ends June 6, 2016 so click on the Crowdrise link below or click here to see how you can help and possibly win!
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