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| Hitchhiker. © Liz Darling 2010. |
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Making Art History - Seniors Say Farwell To PSU
This is an excerpt from an article in the Collegio, Pittsburg State University's student publication.
Elizabeth Darling
“The paintings exude fertility and religious imagery, a clash that Elizabeth Darling is drawn to. Her interest in the relationship between spirituality and sexuality comes across in her paintings, which sport sexual symbolism and common religious themes. Although this subject matter is not an easy one to tackle, Darling has been musing on this topic for a long time. ‘I’ve compiled some of the pieces that I’ve been working on for the past few semesters into a body of work that is somewhat cohesive,’ Darling said. ‘I think it’s probably been a little bit different for everyone. I chose to work with that particular content area.’ While the show was the premiere for several of her classmates, Darling has had a bit of experience with art displays. She participates in the University Artists Association, which allowed her to put out several of her works. However, this was her first experience with hanging an art show. Darling knew from the beginning what pieces and concepts she wanted to include in her show. However, especially when it comes to art, things don’t always go as planned. ‘I actually planned on having a lot more pieces that were within the same theme that were ready for the show, but I just didn’t get them done in time,’ she said. The artistic process for Darling has no set beginning or end, just a continuous cycle of creation. ‘It’s just a process, kind of an evolution,” she said. ‘As far as a time frame goes, there’s not really one.’”
- Madison Dennis
Elizabeth Darling
“The paintings exude fertility and religious imagery, a clash that Elizabeth Darling is drawn to. Her interest in the relationship between spirituality and sexuality comes across in her paintings, which sport sexual symbolism and common religious themes. Although this subject matter is not an easy one to tackle, Darling has been musing on this topic for a long time. ‘I’ve compiled some of the pieces that I’ve been working on for the past few semesters into a body of work that is somewhat cohesive,’ Darling said. ‘I think it’s probably been a little bit different for everyone. I chose to work with that particular content area.’ While the show was the premiere for several of her classmates, Darling has had a bit of experience with art displays. She participates in the University Artists Association, which allowed her to put out several of her works. However, this was her first experience with hanging an art show. Darling knew from the beginning what pieces and concepts she wanted to include in her show. However, especially when it comes to art, things don’t always go as planned. ‘I actually planned on having a lot more pieces that were within the same theme that were ready for the show, but I just didn’t get them done in time,’ she said. The artistic process for Darling has no set beginning or end, just a continuous cycle of creation. ‘It’s just a process, kind of an evolution,” she said. ‘As far as a time frame goes, there’s not really one.’”
- Madison Dennis
Thursday, May 13, 2010
These paintings are the bulk of my senior work:
Religion is one of the most pervasive controlling forces in society. The Christian Church creates and dominates cultural norms presently and historically. I am particularly interested in the dichotomy between the Church and female sexuality. By integrating vaginal imagery with the traditional style of religious iconography, I hope to make the viewer question the traditional role of women in religion and the relationship between sexuality and spirituality.
Every day
I crucify myself
My heart is sick of being in
I said my heart is sick of being in
Chains
- Tori Amos, “Crucify”
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| The Empty Womb. Mixed Media Collage on Bristol. © Liz Darling 2010. |
This body of work encompasses ideas about maternity, female sexuality, and religion. The experience of becoming a mother transformed the way I view the female body and the creation of life. Inspired by performing in Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues," I see the vulva as a symbol of feminine power.
This series also reflects my frustration with the Christian Church's role in patriarchal societies. I was raised in Christianity, and although I consider myself agnostic, I have been profoundly influenced by Christian ideas and teachings. I juxtaposed vulvas with the traditional style of religious iconography to connect the spiritual and visceral aspects of my experience as a woman as well as provoke thought about how Christianity (as well as other major Abrahamic religions) has been used to oppress, dominate, and marginalize women for centuries.
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| Transformation. Oil on Canvas. © Liz Darling 2009. |
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| Transformation (Detail). Oil on Canvas. © Liz Darling 2009. |
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| Cycles. Mixed Media on Canvas. © Liz Darling 2009. |
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| Mandorla. Oil on Panel. © Liz Darling 2009. |
Religion is one of the most pervasive controlling forces in society. The Christian Church creates and dominates cultural norms presently and historically. I am particularly interested in the dichotomy between the Church and female sexuality. By integrating vaginal imagery with the traditional style of religious iconography, I hope to make the viewer question the traditional role of women in religion and the relationship between sexuality and spirituality.
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| Bound For Grace. Oil and Collage on Canvas. © Liz Darling 2010. |
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Every day
I crucify myself
My heart is sick of being in
I said my heart is sick of being in
Chains
- Tori Amos, “Crucify”
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Saturday, May 1, 2010
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