David B. Wilcoxen:
Painting Gallery
Showboat | Birdsong | Oscar ’n His Field of Dreams | Monkey with Wolf Mask | Prince(ss) | The Raiders | Black & Blue | La Femme | Waiting for Spring | Tiger Lilly | Serpent | Roxy | Bobert | El Raton | Father Sun | Mother Roo
Showboat
A mother, singer and actress, serves as the subject. Uncertain of her own talents,
she has yet to discover her innate beauty and grace.
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[image to come]
Birdsong
I cannot imagine a more horrific fate than to be plucked from one's home and
eaten alive. Yet, without such daily terror, there would be no early morning
birdsong.
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Oscar ’n His Field of Dreams
An East Central Illinois Farmboy who dreams of earning an Oscar for acting, serves
as the subject. Guided by religious principles, he hones his craft by teaching
others. Like the weasel, a person of intense energy, he notices details oblivious
to most. Seeing too much, however, comes at a price, as it is prone to withdrawal.
As with all actors and spiritual aspirants, his challenge is to look inward.
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Monkey with Wolf Mask
Having loved and lost too often, the monkey dons a mask for protection. Still
searching for love, unfortunately the mask chosen now frightens away those desired
and attracts others not wanted.
p.s. It's a jungle out there!
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Prince(ss)
Once I came upon a frog sitting in a very little bit of water. All around was
dry. It occurred to me how important it is to pick the size of your pond. How
little is required to be happy and content. Finality is implied, however, as
everyone’s reign ends when the pond dries.
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The Raiders
The Crow people have readily adapted to an urban environment. One morning I watched
a squad systematically eat an entire brood of baby rabbits despite the mother’s
valiant defense. Usually traveling in groups of five, the fifth, with its back
against the sun, is seldom seen and serves as a lookout.
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Black & Blue
Admittedly, a self-portrait. The idea being that love and sexuality is a blood
sport that’s going to leave you scratched and bruised. But still, we keep
on. The colors are intended to evoke images of a carnival, spider web, and leafy
canopy.
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La Femme
The subject in Roxy described this work as a “loving tribute
to the power of female seduction.” Sounds right to me. This work
is a reflection on the refined tropical charm my Trinidadian wife exudes
from her every pore.
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Waiting for Spring
As Winter yields to Spring, pressure builds within us, like molten magma, warming
our lungs and preparing us to burst into song. The anticipation is almost unbearable.
Patience is required.
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Tiger Lilly
Compassionate yet fiercely protective, the subject of this
painting obscures her beauty through ordinary means—by
growing flowers for sale in the local market.
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Serpent
Danger always abounds. More often than not, we aren’t even aware. Perhaps
guardian spirits direct our steps as best they can. I know mine must be fairly
thrashed for all I’ve put them through. The hands and feet belong to my
wife.
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Roxy
This work was created for a vivacious woman, half-Brazilian half-Anglo, who alternates
between moxie and slumber, passion and reason. The subdued colors belie boundless
energy beneath the surface.
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Bobert
My younger daughter, who titled this work, loves dogs and rainbows. We have a
pact, “Dog Friends Forever.” The rainbow colors, thick lines and
shapes are intended to convey a feeling of warmth, solidarity and certitude.
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El Raton
I hate rats. As a boy, I was paid a nickel bounty per head. One summer I made
fifty dollars. But, the young daughter of Mother Roo loves rats and keeps them
as pets. She asked me to paint one for her so I tried to overcome my prejudices
and focus on the joy they bring to her life.
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Father Sun
Every day we enter a dream world at night only to arise back in waking time with
the sun. I imagine a being that is part terrestrial, part celestial that carries
us across that chasm.
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Mother Roo
First in the series, this painting reflects on one of the earthiest, elegant,
and strongest mothers I’ve ever known. And, she loves to play hockey too.
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