Faculty of Art

Drawing and Painting

Dana Margulis

Protection III

In a series of intimate egg-shaped paintings, soft sculpture forms made from combinations of built up canvas, fabric, object, canvas board, molding gel, and papier-mache enclose the partially obscured reposing figures of children. These works draw inspiration from protective icons and amulets of orthodox Christianity and folklore. These were considered physical manifestations of the spiritual world, in this way reinforcing their own protective, preserving, and healing properties through this instilled belief.Stemming from my knowledge of these cultural objects grew my desire to create art with the potential to comfort the viewer, counteract feelings of abandonment, lack of safety and control, and using the beauty of symbolism to heal. The material, subject matter, and color scheme are meant to be comforting and healing, evoking a nostalgic feeling of maternal safety.The ruffled dimensional outer form of the works is based on naturally occurring crusts, shells, and symbols of protection, creation, and metamorphosis such as the egg, the crystal geode, the oyster, and the flower (a hard exterior protecting a delicate interior). In keeping with my inspirations, the artworks are small and objectlike, requiring intimacy and inviting the viewer for a closer look.