It’s late. I’ve been racking my brain as to what I could write in lieu of a spotlight and I’ve been coming and going from this computer all night with nothing good to show for it. So instead of words I offer something far more valuable. After all, you know what they say about a picture…
I give you this, “The worst painting I ever painted in my life, or anyone else’s life in the history of the world, ever.” That’s the title of this painting, I decided just now.
I painted this sometime in middle school I think? Maybe high school? When I went home last month, this beauty was hanging in my little brother’s room–a mini-shrine to my youthful brilliance. It’s so bad, that’s it’s good. I could probably put this on a t-shirt and sell them to Urban Outfitters and other hipster outlets and make a killing. I’m sorry the picture I took is out of focus, but I promise that being in focus wouldn’t improve this painting one bit.
Clearly this surrealist masterpiece is so far ahead of it’s time. This was done in the mid-90’s? I hear you asking yourself. By a teenager nonetheless? Yes, it’s all true. I can imagine that offers for such an amazing piece of art will start pouring in, but I must stop you now and tell you…it’s not for sale. I’m sorry. It’s just not.
I'd like to take a stab at the meaning of this painting even though I don't even know you, but I really enjoy your blog.
Ok,
So, I would say that the fish is you (or the main character of the painting). It has a sullen face, and looking toward the sun with a sort of expectation. Maybe the fish has been going through a really hard or confussing time. The moon and sun are symbolic of good and bad, or dark and light. Since the moon is outside of the window, that means the fish has been trying to get away from the darkness and towards the light. It had to break through a hard surface (the floor) to finally see the sun. The sun is prominent in the room, meaning that there is a promise for goodness in the future. It has a "knowing" look about it. Almost like it is going to make sure the fish is ok (The sun may be symbolic of God). The cracks on the walls are part of the challenge that has been going on in the fish's life.
The painting makes me feel a little bit sad, but also a feeling that everyone goes through difficult times, and there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. It's a somewhat emotional piece.
I have no idea if I'm anywhere close to the intentions of your painting, but I like it. I don't think it's a bad painting at all. I for sure could never make any art at all, so you're way ahead of me, even back in highschool. I think it's great that your brother has it on display.
Bravo, Sarah! Enthusiastic clapping going on here! You did some serious thinking before writing that!
Miggy, I don't think it's a bad painting either! Was it part of an assignment? Were you told to paint something surrealistic? Oh, and one last question. Did you paint it with a special meaning in mind?
I'm saying a prayer right now for the special needs spotlight family whose "world got turned upside down," as you said. Oh, I am so sorry, and I pray that things will soon be better.
My first thought was, "I like it." I like the bright sun and the moon sleeping on the hill & leaf pillow. It looks nursery-rhyme like. Yet the fish coming out of the tile floor looks like an adult painted it. Is the fish crying? The fish looks sad, and I feel sorry for it. Is it day? Is it night? Perhaps the message is that on earth it's both day & night depending on your location. The fish popped through the surface of the water and expected to find itself in a lake between the mountain. Instead it found itself in a building and that's why it's sad. Perhaps it's a commentary on how people pave over nature, build buildings and then try to make it look like the outdoors the people destroyed. Whew! Being an art critic is hard work!