Eli's Birthday (2023)
For this very special custom-made commission for a newborn baby (Eli), I created a scene depicting the day the baby was born. The completed artwork is full of motivational phrases, athletic action, visual & metaphorical horizons, and childlike imagination.
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Per the client's request, the artwork includes words and items from media and newspapers from the day Eli was born (August 15th) and leans into Robert Rauschenberg's artistic style.
The result is a FUN pop art ensemble that celebrates Eli and references his family and birthday.
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"Eli's Birthday" 48"x36"x2" mixed media (newspaper, crystals, ink, pastel, acrylic, toy lion, toy dalmatian, shell, haiku) on canvas (2023) SOLD
From the bottom right, the artwork features Eli's "professional funcle" surfing in Costa Rican waves.
I edited and printed the photo to not only accentuate the surfing silhouette but also to capture the power of the waves.
The squiggly lines above the waves are financial forecasts of the S&P, DJIA, and NASDAQ indices from that day.
The surf swiftly goes into the scene's "party island" which features: the weather map for the US (+Alaska & Hawaii), Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda; a little dalmatian puppy playing in the sand; a shiny seashell; a "Tuesday birthday" forecast, as well as playful additional phrases.
Atop the island, the family garden is surrounded by values and virtue words from newspapers published on 8/15. The garden's flowers represent the mother, father, twin sisters, and the new baby boy.
NY Giants football players add action to the landscape, alongside a section that features "this day in history" for August 15th
As you approach one of the horizons of "big adventures in the world you discover," a toy lion greets you atop the hill instilling virtues of brave leadership. Accompanying these are two Leo horoscopes from that day and a "this day in history" section. Fun Fact: India gained its independence on the same day.
A drawing of New York City sits atop the farthest and tallest horizon below a clear sky with a NY Giants blimp with Eli's name featured on it. In this image, 2 of the 9 stars that compose the Leo constellation are featured.
The eastern portion of the sky features: 6 of the 9 crystal stars composing the Leo constellation; iridescent stardust from comet, alongside a soccer ball moon; a rainbow with the words "magical star" within it. Atop the rainbow is the sun and moon rising and setting times for that day, as well as the phrase, "Braced for SWEET success."
