I started this piece in 2010 but didn’t finish it until this 2014. I couldn’t figure out exactly where to go with it so I put it up. I pulled it out and returned it to a sleeve at least three times until one day it hit me, I know what to do.
Please let me first explain why she’s in the Ugly Girl Collection and why her name is Pamela.
This young girl, like my other Ugly Girls, is different. She’s not visually appealing. No one wants to be her. They look at her inquisitively, maybe even with fascination but they also pity her. That is the idea behind the collection, to paint those little girls thought to be ugly, the little girls who hear about their blotchy skin like Pamela has or have adults and children alike point out this and that imperfection within ear shot. Pamela used to hear the giggles, used to see the pointed fingers, but no more. She is strong within herself, but most of all she is kind.
The name is that of a long ago known family member. Never cute, couldn’t sing or dance, wasn’t smart the way her sisters were.
The painting itself was created on heavy card at 6 inches by 3.5 inches.
It shows a young woman with her back to a large pink flower. Her skin is blue with pink blotches. Her posture is tall, confident. Her eyes are closed because she has nothing to fear from any direction. Her dress is the color of power. Pamela’s dreadlocks flow behind her and intertwine with the soft pink flower made of coffee filters.
Art Title: Pamela with Flowers
Art by: Faith Magdalene Austin
Medium: Sketchbook paper, acrylic, ink, sealed – unmounted
Size: 6 x 3.5
SOLD
Please see my Etsy link on the side bar for purchase information.