Lauren Curtis Art - Mystics, Mourners & More (Paintings & Mixed Media) (c) 1997-2009

What Is Normal? (c)2009

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 02:13:54 UTC

For several years I've loved going to the annual Coney Island Mermaid parade in Brooklyn, NY! Each year I take photos of the amazingly creative costumes and I enjoy visiting the old-school, original sideshow. I felt this would be the perfect subject matter to expand on my mixed medium, collage series. "What is Normal" challenges our view of what is "normal" and what is "freakish"...after all, these are arbitrary distinctions and it is the unique, creative sides of ourselves that stand out and lead to new ideas. Here I've re-created my own sideshow stage by collaging several photos I shot in Coney Island and placing them within acrylic-painted curtains and glass stone, wood, shell and decoupage ornamentation to celebrate diversity.

Fallen (c)2008

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:46:24 UTC

Expanding on the "Modern Icon" series, I began experimenting with different mediums. Here, I've used oil paints along with Victorian decoupage elements all on a slate plaque. This small wall-piece is like a little window onto a fantasy creature's world from a past time.

Icon Art (c)2000-2001

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:46:22 UTC

Three more examples from my "Modern Icon" series including a piece with images taken in Stonehenge and Scotland (The Olde Ways). The triptych was directly inspired by Byzantine icon art but the traditional religious figures have been replaced with cemetery images that represent the 3 phases of The Triple Goddess in mythology; Virgin, Mother & Crone.

Diana's Altar (c)2001

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:46:20 UTC

Another piece in the "Modern Icon" series...this time making it an actual hanging altar with candle holders. The found feathers, shell, bones and the candles represent the 4 elements; Air, Water, Earth & Fire. The photo, taken in a famous California cemetery, is an homage to the nature goddess Diana.

Guardian of the Elements (c)2000

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:46:18 UTC

Several years ago I started a 35mm/found natural object, mixed medium series called "Modern Icons". It was originally inspired by Medieval religious icon art but with a twist...re-claiming Pagan origins by combining objects from nature like shells, feathers and bones (all found; no animals were harmed!!) with classic, angelic cemetery statuary. I want to create the feeling that these pieces are like mini spiritual altars or relics honoring nature and The Feminine aspect of religion.

Morgana's Murder (c)2009

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:24:15 UTC

Part of my "Dream of Trees" series, this piece represents the Celtic Goddess Morgana's 3 ravens. She is a warrior triple Goddess, a mysterious femme fatal and I wanted to capture these qualities through her symbols rather than depicting her as a figure. The backgound paint is thick and glossy while the birds and trees are painted in a thin, matte fashion with lines etched into the surface.

The Mother's Lament (c)2009

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:13:11 UTC

"The Mother's lament" is a mixed media piece (part of the "Mystics & Mourners Series)that focuses on the destruction of the environment by Man's over-development of the land and over-use of technology. Progress is a wonderful thing but not at the expense of natural resources and the demolition of entire species! There needs to be a balance.

Dream of Trees2 (c)2008

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:24:21 UTC

The 2nd in my Dream of Trees Series (a sub-series of Mystics & Mourners) depicts a solitary Tree of Knowledge. A lone raven, a mystical bird of omens, soars in the sky, heading towards the treetop. Will the bird of magic nest in the tree of wisdom? There is a need for a balance of both in our world!

Purgatory (c)2006

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:26:41 UTC

Another transitional, mixed medium piece, here there is more hope than when The Mourner was 1st introduced. Issues are being dealt with and the symbols of conflict are surrounding the portrait but are completely external now...like a halo which represents more spiritual enlightenment.

The Mourner #1 (c)2006

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:26:40 UTC

This is one of the transitional pieces between the Therapy Series and the beginnings of the Mystics & Mourners Series. The Mourner figure is introduced but is still depicted in an introspective way where she's contemplating all of the tumultuous emotions inside, but has a sad yet calm appearance externally.

Therapy 2 (c)2004

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:42:00 UTC

The 2nd piece in the Therapy Series is an image of sadness and acceptance for what we can't change as well as what we know we must change. The next step is to "snap out of it" and take positive action. It's time to come to terms with the situation and react in a way that will effect the necessary outcome.

Mourner (Solitary) (c)2009 (SOLD)

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:41:59 UTC

Continuing with my "Mystics & Mourners" series, this smaller piece was created for an up-coming women's art auction hosted by the Dana Women & Art Series at Rutgers. This time The Mourner is solitary, in a desolate landscape; the sky shows an impending storm. Nature has been almost wiped out here but there's hope of regeneration from the storm's rainfall. Note: The original was sold but reproductions are available.

Therapy 1 (c)2004

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:41:59 UTC

Art is one of the best forms of therapy. We can explore the inner workings of our minds...the demons and the angels that effect our thoughts and moods. This 1st piece in my Therapy Series is loosely based on a self-portrait but it's more an internal rather than an external representation. The Victorian woodcut decoupaged images symbolize the turmoil of constant thought and ideas floating around in our heads. This piece was featured in the window for a women's art exhibit at a Chelsea, NYC gallery (2007).

Mourning Tree (c)2008

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:35:27 UTC

This oil painting diptych is part of my "Mystics & Mourners" series. I wanted to portray sadness about what humans are doing to nature and reflect it not only through the woman's (mourner) tears but through the dripping form of the tree as well. The shape of the tree and the figure mimic each other to show we are all connected to Nature.

SelfPortrait (c)1998

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:35:27 UTC

One of my 1st self-portraits, this is my favorite. Painted in oils, I also have 35mm B&W photo images sewn across the bottom and have carved spiritual and religious symbols in the body. I wanted this piece to not only reflect my physical appearance but my inner spiritual aspects as well.

Mystics & Mourners 1 (c)2008

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:35:27 UTC

"Mystics & Mourners" is a new series I've been working on and this is one of the 1st pieces I've completed. I wanted to give a story-board feel, as if telling the tale of the lonely figures and their relation to nature. In today's world, a respect for nature seems urgent and if we keep abusing our environment, we will be left mourning great losses.

Dream of Trees1 (c)2007

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:35:27 UTC

Nature is one of the biggest influences in my work, and the image of silhouetted trees against a setting sun is always dazzling but also has a lonely, stark feel to me. In this VanGogh-inspired oil painting I wanted to portray a feeling of solitude but also strength. The Tree is an archetype of wisdom in many cultures and the destruction of nature is a destruction of knowledge!

High Priestess (c)1999

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:35:27 UTC

As a long time collector and reader of the Tarot, this is my interpretation of the High Priestess Tarot card (my favorite card). The priestess of wisdom stands between the gates of knowledge holding the keys to life. She is the Beginning and the End (Alpha & Omega).

Holywar (c)2002

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:35:27 UTC

This large oil represents the mystical, magical ways of thought and spirituality being replaced by technology; the struggle for the Goddess of the natural world to survive in an overload of mechanical inventions. Found machine and computer parts, bird feathers & a small animal skull are sewn to the bottom of this piece to depict the turmoil she is trapped in. (the skull & feathers are found objects! No animals were harmed to create this piece!)

Bridget (c) 2003 (SOLD)

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:35:27 UTC

Bridget (Brigid, Bride) is the Celtic Triple Goddess of inspiration, poetry, prophesy, smithcraft, & childbirth. This oil painting is my interpretation of this powerful Goddess and her inner flame of creativity. The original was sold to a private collector but reproductions are available.