In Memory of Connie Bauman
A ceremony on
Thursday October 29, 1998
at 1:00 P.M.
|
Bird Woman Flies, Acrylic on Canvas |
Commissioned work of art Artist: Alice Wetterlund, 1998
|
Artist Statement Alice Wetterlund I was commissioned to create this piece in memory of Connie Bauman, who worked at the county atorneys office until she passed away in January of 1998. Though it would undoubtedly be a challenge to capture the spirit of this woman -- who I had never met in person -- in a painting, I gratefully accepted the assignment. I worked closely with several of Connie's close friends so that I could learn about her work and her life, and hopefully come to know her well enough so that I could paint a portrait that effectively expressed who she was--inside and out. I decided to use the theme of photographs and contrasting textures and color schemes for the aesthetic portion of the painting. The background was taken from a picture of Connie taken while she was hiking in the mountains, posed by a sign that read, "Bird Woman Falls." The two darker images were made to resemble snapshots taken of her, one alone and one with an anonymous child--which symbolizes her devotion to the children she helped so much. In the background of this photo there is what is meant to be a quilt, representing the gratitude and appreciation the children felt for Connie. I placed the sign in alignment with the first two foreground images to make sure that it was seen in progression with them. I then changed "Bird Woman Falls" to "Bird Woman Flies," to depict the idea of freedom as a general theme, and more importantly to introduce the idea of Connie's freedom; that as a "Bird Woman," she must eventually fly. I am so thankful to have been chosen to share Connie's memory through the creation of this painting. Though, as I mentioned above, I never met her in person, I am grateful that I was able to come to know her in my own way. She was an astonishing woman, who's determination to help those who could not help themselves amazed and inspired me. |
Pictures from the Ceremony
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Back to Sandbox Studios photo index