"True Love"
The 2008 Ellen Hansen Memorial Prize winner
is Emily Barker,
for her 5x6' oil painting True Love. Here's what Emily had
to say about her piece:
“I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty
to study mathematics and philosophy in order to give their children
a right to study painting, poetry, and music…”
-John Adams
The decision to become an artist this day in age takes a lot of bravery
and independence, in my opinion. Many people question an artist’s
motives, belittle their abilities, discourage their dreams, and set
them up for failure in their future career paths. I believe that one’s
passion transcends fear, which translates into bravery and that freedom
of expression is another word for independence. My painting "True
Love" is a portrait of my mother expressing her passion: singing
an operatic piece. Not only does singing, or art, take a lot of courage
to reveal your identity in front of a subjective audience, but it also
takes motivation and determination to make it a lifestyle. My mother
has been a huge inspiration to me and has proven how rewarding being
an artist can be. Having my mother as a role-model as helped me be strong
and always think positively about my future as an artist.
