Pearl the singer

This piece was inspired by Elkie Brooks’ famous song. Through the metaphor of stage performance it attempts to express the bravery necessary to live life being present.

It speaks not only of how we are shaped by the layers and textures of our experience, but also how we hide behind them.  We tend to want to hide our vulnerability behind our own versions of her glitter and bright red lips - and yet the eyes cannot hide what the heart truly feels.  Despite the fact that she is surrounded by an audience night after night in the song, Pearl is – like all of us – glamorous perhaps, but ultimately alone. 

It is part of the human script to morph into and out of one role after another… We are all woman, man, wife, husband, sister, brother, cousin, colleague, creator, friend… artist, typist, fantasist, observer… joker, sleeper, singer, lover…

How do we weave the essence of these relationships with strangers, loved ones and life itself into the fabric of our being?  Or does it weave itself into the most intimate layers of our souls?  Do you sometimes yield to be changed by it, or do you let that fragile essence pass you by – be it fast and furiously like desert rain, or gently like dreams?

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Materials used:  Mainly various oil glazes - includes a fabric rose, 1 faux pearl, faux eyelashes, silver coloured acetate curls and ink on board.