I have been patiently waiting for new work to come back from the framers and last weekend I got to pick them up!
Two of them are confirmed for a show and the other two are awaiting acceptance.
These first two works were fun to create with the framing already designed in my head. These babies do not disappoint. I am so excited with how they come together as a whole work of art, not just art put in a frame!
These works were created with the specific show in mind – “Microcosm.” I loved using that word as an inspiration point to make new work unlike my drawings.
*a note before moving forward: the titles for these two pieces are also as important as the frame. Usually when I title a drawing, it is my opportunity to scratch my love of poetry. I hope for the titles to be part of the work to flesh out the message I am delivering.
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Starting with this small drawing completed on this tiny notebook:
I wanted to take a very real and overwhelming experience I live with, put it into the tiniest of contexts, and then frame it in what I feel represents death. Pictured is “Do You Think They’ll Read My Journals When I Die?”:
(Side note: when I was framing at the shop, I had the opportunity to frame a death bed photo. This is a photo of someone within minutes of dying with their loved ones around. It was so beautiful and real and very human. If I had the chance to take one last photo with my loved ones before I passed, I would. Please tell my people of this request.)
When I drew this tiny journal entry to express my contemplation of death, this clients frame project came to mind. I was the framer who helped the client design their job and it left an impact on me. I used the same molding and black mat and brought out more color by floating the artwork on a red velvet mat. This to me says beauty in death.
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The next work I drew from the vantage point of “microcosm,” is the honey bee.
This molding was used to frame a Blondie poster and it became a favorite molding. Simple yet striking. As you can see, it is fitting for the humble bee drawing. Pictured here, “When I Was Eight, I Unleashed All My Grief on a Dead Bumblebee.”:
Framed in a yellow and black lined molding, floating on a black velvet mat, this artwork explores the weight of the world on the backs of the very small bee. To this day, when I see a dead bee on the ground, my heart hurts. Such a gentle friend who keeps us fed and surrounded by beauty – gone.
Shifting subjects, I decided to take two figure drawings I completed at the end of the summer and frame them in striking frames. I am so fucking pumped with how well these turned out!
This work is matched with a sattin red frame, to highlight the red under drawing, and floated on a deep black mat. It feels provocative and private. Isn’t it so beautiful?!
I love drawing close ups of bodies and body parts. It provides a moment of appreciation for the beautiful and unique features of the body.
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And last but not least this statement piece-
I have drawn a lot of penises in my career and they have all sold. Folks want to see penis bodies! We won’t go into the important conversation around cis women’s bodies in art, always for the voyeur and in service to anyone but herself – BUT I have come to understand folks long for art celebrating the bodies that carry the very beautiful penis.
So, here we are celebrating in pink and aqua, the penis:
LOOK AT THIS!! Damn, Gina!
I can’t wait to hang these in a gallery and see them lit up and shinning. Most importantly, I can’t wait for them to find a home. Which, if you need them, you can always message me and get it in your hands. These works could be yours! raven@ravenrohrig.com
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