carol connett studio

Some paintings are easy to understand; others come from a place where the clarity of logic does not apply. This is true of The Muse, a painting that is more fantasy than reality.

The main character has traveled great distances for a glimpse of her muse—a tiny lady dressed in evening gown and long elegant gloves. She springs from the mouth of danger to share the unique insights she receives. Hopefully the great effort required during her risky journey has been worth the wisdom she obtains.

The painting popped into my mind after looking at a book of medieval art. I was fascinated by depictions of wooden devices that allowed the disabled of that era to get around. These mechanisms inspired the contraptions that help the painting’s main character navigate the strange lagoon she has come to visit.

The idea of three wings, and the illogic of a world where this arrangement would function perfectly, also appealed to me. Even more irrational, our lady’s three wings resemble seaweed more than feathers. Though totally incapable of supporting her in flight, they provide the levitation her psyche requires.