Big Dipper

“Big Dipper” is a creation of acrylic and chalk on primed paper with a blue painted metal earring sewn on with red thread. The painting measures 23 by 17 inches. Surrounding and protecting it is a silver gray mat. Positioned on top is a floating mat of the same color. This second mat allows the earring to hang freely with out rubbing against the glass.* The silver brushed metal frame measures 29 by 23 inches. Wired and ready to hang.

Since I was a girl I loved to identify the Big Dipper in the sky. Our family visited the local museum that included an observatory, and I remember my dad pointing out the Big Dipper one night while we were outside in our yard. Ever since then I point it out to whoever I’m with when I spot it in the night sky. Also, in this painting is a soup ladle that is reminiscent of the one my mom used for her delicious beef vegetable soup. The negative space is a pattern of tiny plus signs (+) representing the stars.I did this painting along with a series called The Moon in June in 1996.

*Note about the photos: the glass reflects my bookshelf and other surroundings. The darker image of Big Dipper was taken when the painting was unfinished and is the only photo I possess that was taken before the piece was framed under glass.