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Animal Web: A Tribute to EB White and George Orwell

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"Animal Web: A Tribute To Authors,

EB White and George Orwell"

My entry for the February 2017 EBSQ online "Opposites" exhibit features a whimsical little fantasy piece painted in loving tribute to two of my favorite authors: EB White, of 'Charlotte's Web', and George Orwell, of "Animal Farm". Both authors were talented, highly esteemed, caucasion, of similar age (born only a few years apart), and writers of fiction. Both wrote sweeping, captivating tales regarding farms -- specifically featuring complex and endearing characters who happened to be pigs. However, the similarities between the two men and their fiction likely mostly ends there -- and not only because one was American and the other British. Both used their porcine protagonists to weaves two very different tales indeed. EB White's beloved "Charlotte's Web" narrates the story of unity, cooperation, and friendship -- plus what I always personally interpreted as strong, optimistic message as to the value of Nature, and of animals, and of anti-cruelty in general. And all within the sweet setting of a peacefully idyllic, mid-century farmstead. George Orwell's "Animal Farm", however, though also set against the backdrop of a picturesque farmstead, spins a very opposing narrative. Orwell used his setting and plot to outline an allegorical and cautionary story about the rise of Soviet communism and of the brutal dictatorship of Joseph Stalin. His pigs are far from sweet, passive characters -- they are highly manipulative creatures who get up to some very nasty things. The intimidate and oppress their fellow farm-mates ("All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others"). They threaten and cajole, assail and even engage in violence -- a much darker yarn for sure. "Charlotte's Web" and "Animal Farm", two classic and much beloved modern-day fables about intrepid pigs living on farms, that really couldn't be more 'opposite'....

(Note: In the spirit of creative re-use, this painting support was hand-fashioned using a re-purposed old 10x12 wood frame. I like to upcycle previously used, second-hand materials that might otherwise make their way to the landfill into my creative process whenever applicable)....

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