Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Self Portrait series

Crowded Self, Acrylic on Board 46X38
3 Heads, Acrylic on Board 36X36



One Scream out of a Million People, Acrylic on board 46X38
My paintings are about my mother’s death and my mental health following the event. My mom passed away four years ago which left me devastated. I grieved sometimes through the obvious sadness, but also by masking the sadness by being too happy.. Often when I am depressed I feel overwhelmed and trapped. I choose to separate spaces into panels in some of my pictures to suggest spaces that are enclosed and claustrophobic
          Artistically I abstractly depict figures through distortion and subjective color.  I view the world through my surreal emotions. I believe that representational art would not capture this feeling. My emotions are multi-faceted. I choose to depict hundreds of figures to describe the craziness. Often I feel over excited. Life can be very busy, and be overwhelming. I use chaotic line markings in the background suggest this. 
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74 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 1, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    Very powerful work. Mental illness has been part of my life for over fifty years. It takes a toll on the patient and caregiver. Art provides a wonderful outlet for the chaotic nature of the illness.

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  2. XovikaMay 2, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    Wow! Cool style! I love the one with a man in a pool.

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  3. XovikaMay 2, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    May she rest in peace... Beautiful painting...

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  4. XovikaMay 2, 2011 at 6:06 PM

    The following painting is your mom's portrait,I should read before I put my comment :"> I think her soul is free like a beautiful bird.(Third comment :"> I go up and down in your blog and discover new things :D)

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  5. Shelley Whiting's artMay 2, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    Thank you

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  6. Shelley Whiting's artMay 2, 2011 at 6:24 PM

    Your comments are always welcome:) My mom was a very sweet and beautiful woman. I'm glad I could put that into the picture.

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  7. EvaMay 3, 2011 at 6:04 AM

    Losing a parent is tragic.I have shared your pain, but my art suffered. Yours, fortunately, is powerful! I admire your ability to express your feelings in paint.

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  8. Shelley Whiting's artMay 3, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    Thank you. Your paintings are beautiful. Your textures and use of mixed media are fabulous.

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  9. CoreopsisMay 4, 2011 at 5:07 AM

    These are fabulous--amazing depictions of mental states. All I can say is "Wow!"

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  10. DeannMay 4, 2011 at 5:41 AM

    Shelley I am so sorry for your loss no one can quite take the place of our mothers or ever have the same effect in our lives. You have expressed your grief so beautifully in your art...how wonderful that you had such a close and loving relationship with her for the short time she was with you.
    I hope you continue to record your feelings in your art...over the years your pain will turn into beautiful memories of your angel mother...and never doubt that she is watching over you.

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  11. Tammie LeeMay 4, 2011 at 3:09 PM

    Wonderful that you have and had art to explore your feelings around precious loss. You have expressed so much depth in your pieces.

    Thanks for your visit to Beauty Flows.

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  12. Shelley Whiting's artMay 4, 2011 at 5:42 PM

    Thank you :)

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  13. SL BurlhisMay 5, 2011 at 10:40 AM

    I love your work! Who are you?

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  14. Heather FoustMay 5, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    I too know the terrible lose of a Mother. I still after 8 years can not get her out of my mind! I miss her so.
    This is a great picture. Art has a funny way of letting you release some of the hurt, anger and frustration.
    Hang in there.

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  15. PrisartsMay 5, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    Wow! Your artworks are awesom Shelly!
    I find peace when i paint, its like im in another world that i sometimes forget the time.
    Keep painting!

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  16. Shelley Whiting's artMay 5, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    Thank you for the comments.

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  17. Red Cat CardsMay 5, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    hi there, Shelley !!! Good to meet you and thanks for the comment on my HOME painting. I'm going to get to know you from now on ! Your ARTs speak thousands of suppressed feelings !!

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  18. TheresaMay 5, 2011 at 7:09 PM

    Hi Shelley, Your artwork is so moving. I lost my mom 4 years ago this summer, which spawned deep grief....I ultimately left my career to create art & nurture my passions since then. It truly turned my world upside down. I can't wait to see more of your work. I hope you are healing & yet keeping memories close. Your newest follower. Theresa

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  19. Shelley Whiting's artMay 5, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    Thanks

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  20. DianneMay 6, 2011 at 6:29 AM

    Amazing art here and so expressive...your mother knew you were there for her in her last moments and that you loved her. healing will come in time. hope you will be able to express joyful art soon.

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  21. Shelley Whiting's artMay 6, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    Thanks

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  22. Rodney van den BeemdMay 6, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Sad to read the circumstances and motivation for these powerful and beautiful paintings. I hope that time, your art and its admirers will have a healing effect.

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  23. UnknownMay 6, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    Shelley, Thanks for stopping by my site and for leaving such a nice comment.

    I was blown away when I checked out your art. You put so much emotion into your work.
    Your paintings are a great tribute to the relationship you had with your Mom. She must have been a wonderful lady.I'm sure she is quite proud of you.

    I look forward to seeing more of your work.
    Moonbeams & Blessings,
    Jesi

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  24. Shelley Whiting's artMay 6, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    Thank you Rodney and Jesi.

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  25. VisionesMay 6, 2011 at 7:11 PM

    Gracias por pasar por mi página y tu comentario tan alentador. Tus obras impactan en reflejo a tus emociones, eso las hace superpersonalísimas, y atrapantes en estilo y color. Saludos.

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  26. Shelley Whiting's artMay 6, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    Gracias Visiones

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  27. Rosalie WronaMay 6, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    Hello Shelley, Sorry to hear of the difficult and sad times you have been having. Eventually it will become easier and the memories of the good times will dominate.
    I enjoyed looking at your art .. keep at it and keep blogging too (((Shelley))) :)

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  28. Shelley Whiting's artMay 6, 2011 at 7:37 PM

    Thanks Rosalie.

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  29. LauraMay 7, 2011 at 4:38 AM

    Hi Shelly, thanks for stopping by my blog and posting...I stopped in here to see what your all about and I have to say you have some expressive work started there...do carry on with it...as it will be exciting to see where it/your art, takes you.

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  30. Dean H.May 7, 2011 at 5:16 AM

    My condolences on your loss, Shelly.
    She and the warmth of her love will be found in your paintings. That happened to me with the loss of my wife.

    Love your self exploratory art! Exciting work!

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  31. MarleneMay 7, 2011 at 5:19 AM

    These are very interesting pieces and they show so much emotion. It is wonderful to have art as a way to express our feelings.

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  32. AnonymousMay 7, 2011 at 7:17 AM

    Me gustan los colores de tus pinturas. Mis felicitaciones. saludos.

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  33. Shelley Whiting's artMay 7, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    Thanks Laura, Dean, Marlene and Victoria.

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  34. ivanka kMay 8, 2011 at 2:38 AM

    Hi Shelley,
    thank you very much for the comment you left on my blog! You have a great talent and I think it's great that art can help us cope with some of the hardest situations life can give us - I call it the pure urge to create. I wish more people would realize that art is the basic psychoanalyst! xxx

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  35. Shelley Whiting's artMay 8, 2011 at 3:01 AM

    Thank you Ivanka K.

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  36. SadamiMay 8, 2011 at 4:46 AM

    Dear Shelley,
    Thank you for visiting my blog and kind comment.
    So sorry for the lost of your mother. I, too, experienced the similar grief in the past. But you sublimate your emotions &energy into brilliant art work. It's your great strength. Stay in productive.
    Shelley, you, too, have a beautiful way of capturing the human face. Your people are genuine and full of life. They touch my heart Êš(ˆ◡ˆ)Éž .
    Best wishes, Sadami
    PS I upload the blog every Monday and will talk of faces and figures next.

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  37. Jean SpitzerMay 8, 2011 at 6:34 AM

    These are powerful, moving pieces.

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  38. Virginia PalomequeMay 8, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    Great composition of this series. I like your blog! I follow you.
    (Thank's for your kind comments)
    Virginia Palomeque

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  39. Shelley Whiting's artMay 8, 2011 at 3:20 PM

    Thank you Sadami, Jean and Virginia.

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  40. DarelMay 9, 2011 at 11:44 PM

    I like your art style very aggresive and powerful! thanks.

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  41. Shelley Whiting's artMay 10, 2011 at 1:16 AM

    Thanks Darel.

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  42. TeriMay 10, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    Everyone of these faces is fascinating. I could look at them for hours.

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  43. fongxuanqiMay 11, 2011 at 1:17 AM

    Nice :) i love it

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  44. Shelley Whiting's artMay 11, 2011 at 1:57 AM

    Thanks Teri and fongxuanqi.

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  45. AnonymousMay 11, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    I like the raw feelings and expressions in your art...I too have experienced loss of a parent, so can relate...(-:

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  46. Shelley Whiting's artMay 11, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    Thanks sherrykey.

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  47. Sacred YoliMay 11, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    Wow, this is an amazing and powerful piece. I love your honesty.
    Also, big thanks for stopping by my blog. :-)
    Salute!
    Yoli

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  48. Shelley Whiting's artMay 11, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    Thanks Sacred Yoli.

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  49. Patrick LeyendeckerMay 15, 2011 at 12:27 AM

    hey shelley, like your way to draw paintings, i see a lot of passion in your art, i also draw and like to see other styles. hope you post soon some more of your work. greets

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  50. Shelley Whiting's artMay 15, 2011 at 1:01 AM

    Thanks patrick.

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  51. Carol Schiff Daily PaintingMay 15, 2011 at 4:16 AM

    Shelley,

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. So sorry to hear of your loss.

    Art is a wonderful creative outlet, and you are using it at it's best as a healing process. A very healthy and effective practice. It will be interesting to see how your art is effected as time passes on.

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  52. Shelley Whiting's artMay 15, 2011 at 4:19 AM

    Thanks Carol.

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  53. AnonymousMay 16, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    These pieces are so beautiful and very moving. I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. I hope that your sorrow is lessening with time. You are very talented.
    Thank you for the kind things you said on my blog. I am looking forward to seeing your future posts.
    ~:Diana

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  54. Shelley Whiting's artMay 16, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    Thanks Diana.

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  55. SabinaMay 18, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    Wow. This is really amazing. You can tell there are a lot of stories and emotions behind this piece.

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  56. Shelley Whiting's artMay 18, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    Thanks My Style Canvas.

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  57. ShaylaMay 20, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    OH WOW! THIS "IS" ABSOLUTELY/POSITIVELY AMMMMAAAZZZZING! I was seriously when awe when I saw this. You are a fantastic artist!
    XOXO,

    Shayla

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  58. Shelley Whiting's artMay 20, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    Thanks Shayla.

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  59. ... yiyiaMay 23, 2011 at 2:43 PM

    i love it!!! screaming happier?!

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  60. Shelley Whiting's artMay 23, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    Thanks Yiyia.

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  61. marinushtestMay 24, 2011 at 5:47 AM

    thanks Shelley for your lovely comment, I'm glad you like my pices!! ♥
    Your paintings are CRAZY!! And I fell in love with them, they're superb!
    xoxo Marinush

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  62. FloraMay 26, 2011 at 9:14 PM

    Wonderful work Shelly and very thought provoking!!
    Blessings,Flora

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  63. Shelley Whiting's artMay 26, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    Thanks Marinush and Flora.

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  64. Red Cat CardsMay 27, 2011 at 4:14 PM

    Hi, Shelley
    Would you be willing to contribute this to my new blog "Beauty of Sorrow" ?
    http://beautyofsorrow.blogspot.com/
    I am gathering submission from people and have started first one =) I think this painting is a fantastic and very appropriate and would love if you can contribute. Basically, I'll be linking it back to your blogpost and you'll be listed as a contributor linking to your blog..
    Please let me know if that's OK =)

    Regina

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  65. Shelley Whiting's artMay 27, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    Cool go ahead Sung-hee. Thanks :)

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  66. I'm Yee Von.May 28, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    Often we expressed our inner emotions through our painting and I was moved by the feelings in your painting and your words...

    You are gifted with talents :)

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  67. Shelley WhitingMay 28, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    Thanks Yeevon

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  68. Shelley Whiting's artMay 29, 2011 at 4:54 AM

    Thanks Melly Testa.

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  69. NikkieMay 30, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    Thank you for your sweet comment, Shelley! I love the authenticity and transparency in your work. Thank you for sharing such intimate feelings with us. That is something I admire, as my work is generally just created spur of the moment (sometimes random) and not usually created out of a deeper more personal feeling. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

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  70. Shelley Whiting's artMay 30, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    Thank you Nikkie.

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  71. Connie ChadwellMay 31, 2011 at 5:47 AM

    Shelley - this is very powerful work - the expressions on each of the faces demonstrate such feeling, such raw emotion! Great design, as well!

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  72. Shelley Whiting's artMay 31, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    Thanks Connie.

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  73. Be Creative BooksAugust 13, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    Hi Shelley, inspired from a very difficult time you have made these impressive and attractive paintings, really vibrant! Shapes, colors and composition really catch the attention immediately and invited to observe it in detail, my sincere congratulations, wonderful art!

    Cheers,

    EE

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  74. Shelley Whiting's artAugust 13, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    Thank you Eugenio Enrique.

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