DRESSER BACK PAINTINGS

While going to antique shops and junk stores during summer stays in Vermont, I discovered, “dresser backs”; mirror frames that were separated from their dressers. I started collecting them, as their unique shapes appealed to me. Most were very distressed, requiring a lot of rehabilitation, which became part of the process of making these paintings.

The shape of the frame and my rehabilitation process influenced the subjects and how they are painted. For me, the frames and, in some, the addition of shelves, makes the work more sculptural and gives them a unique presence with an “icon-like” quality. It was exciting to discover a way to combine painting and sculpture.

Flower Arrangement _o/c in painted wood frame w/painted shelf, 1998, 50 x 39 x 4 in.

Lupines_o/c in painted wood frame with painted shelf, 1995, 37 x 29 x 4 in.

Lupines [DETAIL]

Flower Altar_o/wood in wood frame w/attached boxes, 1990, 46 x 31 1/2 x 7 in.

Flower Altar [DETAIL] Artist dried and died the flowers in the boxes

Still Life w/Japanese Screen_o/c in painted wood frame w/painted shelf, 1996, 60 x 38 x 5 in.

Flower Show_o/c in painted wood frame, 1998, 51 x 36 1/4 in.

After the Wedding_o/c in painted wood frame w/painted shelf, 1996, 43 1/4 x 24 x 6 in.

After the Wedding [DETAIL]

Spring Altar_o/c in painted wood frame w/preserved birds nest and painted wood eggs on shelf, 1991, 52 1/2 x 32 1/2 x 6 1/2 in.

Spring Altar [DETAIL]

Where Parting is No More_o/c in painted wood frame, 1997, 28 x 23 in.

Summer o/c painted wood frame with painted vinyl cow on painted shelf, 1992, 39 x 29 1/2 x 5 in.

The Time Line-Yellow, oil on wood dresser back frame, 1991, 12 1/2 x 27 x 1 1/4 in.

Babes in the Woods, oil on wood in painted frame w/painted shelf, w/2vintage plastic toys, 1994, 34 x 24 x 4 in.

Down Under_o/c and panel below, 1991, 45 x48

The Path_o/c in wood frame, 1991, 37 1/2 x 37 in.