My paintings are open-ended narratives, leaving room for various outcomes and are in their very nature unknowable. They can show the submerged mind as individuals in scenes or relations between characters with various motivations. Keeping in mind the subject of the unknown, here are a few observations on specific paintings.
The Day Before brings a meditation on the interconnectedness of life and suffering, as the figure navigates the layers of existence shown in the underground, ground, and sky. It speaks to the transformative power of suffering in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, echoing the Buddhist concept of “no mud, no lotus.”
Elizabeth Fox, Look at What the Venus Blew In, oil on panel, 20 x 13 in.
In Look at what the Venus Blew in, the figures bend to the will of the universe and the breath of life. In transcending the limitations of the human experience the scene becomes beyond thought.
Elizabeth Fox, She Becomes Light, oil on panel, 16 x 28 in.
She Becomes Light explores the theme of self-discovery and enlightenment, as she transcends the darkness and finds her real self in the light. The image of the lily serves as a symbol of transformation in the present moment, illuminated along with her.
Elizabeth Fox, New Frontier, oil on panel, 6 x 24 in.
New Frontier offers a glimpse into the existential angst of youth, as a lone figure navigates the aftermath of a party, surrounded by discarded red solo cups. He’s lost, but that’s where the journey begins. The American flag serves as a symbol of home and belonging, juxtaposed against the chaos and uncertainty of the scene. Here we can reflect on the challenges of forging our own path in life and finding meaning in the midst of chaos.
Elizabeth Fox, With Nothing But Her Thoughts, oil on panel, 8 x 15 in.
With Nothing but her Thoughts shows a woman alone with her cats and Barbies in a tranquil landscape. The cats serve as metaphors for her racing thoughts and active spirit, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of our individual human psyche and the struggles we face in confronting our own existences and how fun it really is.
Elizabeth Fox, Toll Booth, oil on panel, 6 x 6 in.
In Toll Booth, the fleeting connection between strangers comes to the fore, as their hands connect in a gesture of kindness and compassion. The ghostly presence of the white car seat serves as a gentle reminder of the impermanence of human relationships, urging us to inherit the moments of connection we share with others, however brief they may be.
Elizabeth Fox, Last Room, First Room, oil on panel, 13 x 24 in.
In Last Room, First Room, the ambiguity of the narrative invites us to contemplate existence and manipulation of human behavior. The figure is a young Jackie Gleason and hints at the passage of time and the possibility of blurring the boundaries between past and present, life and death. It examines the connection between past decisions and present experiences.
Elizabeth Fox, Convenience Store, oil on panel,18 x 24 in.
Convenience Store captures a moment of tension between strangers. The muted colors and sparse composition evoke a sense of unease, asking viewers to question the nature of the encounter and the hidden motives lurking beneath the surface. It speaks to the inherent ambiguity of human interactions and the mysteries that lie beneath the front of normalcy.
Elizabeth Fox, Will I Get My Marbles Back?, oil on panel, 16 x 22 in.
Will I Get My Marbles Back? presents a whimsical take on the mid-life crisis, as she grapples with the loss of their marbles in a fantasy setting. The floating marbles serve as a metaphor for the uncertainty and instability of middle age, yet the vibrant colors and playful imagery convey a sense of hope and possibility. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is beauty to be found in the world around us.
Elizabeth Fox, Egg Hunt, oil on panel, 16 x 18 in.
Egg Hunt delves into the complexities of fertility and womanhood. The scattered eggs and empty baskets symbolize the unpredictability and challenges of being a woman, yet the glamorous attire and confident demeanor speak to their resilience and strength. It invites us to embrace the full spectrum of human experience, from pain and uncertainty to joy and celebration.
Elizabeth Fox, Girl with Hooks, oil on panel, 11 x 12 in.
Girl with Hooks explores the theme of social connection and empowerment, as she asserts her agency in a male-dominated world. The oversized hooks around her neck symbolize her strength and resilience, while the fantastical characters surrounding her hint at the possibility of transformation and renewal. It challenges traditional notions of power and authority, inviting us to reconsider the dynamics of gender and identity in contemporary society.
Elizabeth Fox, Rebirth of a Figurine, oil on panel, 13 x 12 in.
In Rebirth of a Figurine, the kitsch card players, based on a figurine, serve to show hidden physical manipulations, juxtaposed against the primordial swamp from which all life emerges. It invites us to contemplate the cyclical nature of existence and the eternal quest for meaning and connection in an ever-changing world.
Questions are a running theme. These pieces bring the subject of unknown motivations into the light. They reveal the nature of transformation and the potential to see your true self, the truly unknown, the unseeable.
Image at top: Elizabeth Fox, The Day Before, oil on panel, 12 x 10 in.