"Cootie Queen" was an imagination-workout and winnowing process that took Wa'ay longer to mentally create than fabricate. The first step in the process was to exclusively focus on my basic interest for a new piece (incorporating text), with my subconscious at racing speed. During this heightened brain activity, neurons that store memories even vaguely related to the 'pre generate' idea release their neurotransmitters to nearby cells and collectively, they re-form LATerally inter-woven feelings, creating fresh associations below the level of cognition. (It's indeed brainstorming yet with minimal whiny interruption from Logic.) Imagine a pinball game of light- bounding off mirrors, wherein light continues to glow at and reflect from points of contact. (It's focused, active dreaming.) 

With "Cootie Queen" memory-impressions arose relative to misapprehensions/ misinterpretations/ misrepresentations between the genders. With this added facet, I returned to brain-storage re-mixing. Parody arose with a grin and my image idea followed in a rush. (Maybe endorphins are accountable;) Because the concept is casually whimsical yet with the trompe l'oeil challenge of curving 2-D text along a sash, I chose dry pastel as the best aesthetic and technical medium. It's far preferable to dry-draw with pre-mixed colors than "cut in" text edges with wet oil paint while mixing multiple colors.

I hope the August show at artist-run MAA Gallery might be a nice diversion for you. If you stop in, in addition to "Cootie Queen", you'll find a (tasteful and cute) nude oil-study of mine. (Cootie Queen is professionally acid-free framed with a black linen mat and 1-1/2" wide flat-shaped, non-shiny black frame.) Gallery hours: Sundays 11-7, Mon-Sat 11-8, with the artists' reception is Sunday 8/3 from 1-5. MAA Gallery is in Westfield Wheaton Mall's upper level, across from Panera Bread.

http://www.westfield.com/wheaton/ [Click "Center Map" and activate (click to darken) Floor Level "2", at screen right. Mall address: 11160 Veirs Mill Rd., Wheaton, MD 20902, (301) 942-3200.

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