BFA Thesis Exhibit
Paige Wetherwax
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Artist Statement
I use animals as placeholders for people, as vessels that provide catharsis through paint without the specificity of the classic portrait. Direct confrontations with situations and thoughts that are unique to the human condition, but with animals being used as a vehicle for our emotions. I chose animals to represent people because they make a heavy topic more approachable by providing a mask of humor while still suggesting the presence of human experience and vulnerable undertones. Most of these are made using oil paint and the rest are watercolor and gouache paintings. The oil paintings are accompanied by a variety of mediums, such as cold wax, galkyd and stand oil, to create varying textures and glossy or matte finishes throughout each painting. I worked with scale as a correlation to the concept being portrayed. The larger scale paintings represent bigger, long-term issues such as familial struggles and uncomfortable homes. The smaller scale paintings are broader thoughts and experiences, like the side-effects of a new medication or a vice you just can’t quit. These works address the things most of us don’t like talking about; traumatic events, strained relationships and less than savory personal experiences. I used the actions we take on animals to represent actions we may make on ourselves and others to get an answer, such as shearing to expose the new and dissection to satisfy curiosity. Animals are highly symbolic to me, whether they be an embodiment of strength or anxiety, I carefully pair them with a surrounding environment and sprinkle in crumbs of narrative. A picture on the wall or a missing place setting whisper the feelings of the afflicted.
![Three cows are standing at a dinner table with corn, peas and carrots on their plates. There is a partial stick of butter, butter knife and jadeite salt and pepper shakers in the center of the table. Behind the cows, there is a china cabinet to the right, two paintings of a black pot and black kettle on the wall, a house plant and orange curtains to the left.](_images/01_paigewetherwax-660x524.jpg)
You Eat like a Cow // Oil, acrylic and galkyd on canvas // 41 × 54 inches
![A half sheared sheep stands on a green carpet in front of a deep purple couch and striped, pink wallpaper. There are show ribbons and a painting of a yellow carnation on the wall, as well as a dark hallway, to the left, leading to a cracked bedroom door.](_images/02_paigewetherwax-660x490.jpg)
We’re Not Upset, Just Disappointed // Oil, galkyd and cold wax on canvas // 35 × 47 inches
![A wild hare is running past a red rotary telephone on a yellow background. The cord is wrapped around its neck and the telephone hangs to its side.](_images/03_paigewetherwax-660x452.jpg)
After the Tone // Watercolor and gouache on canson paper // 12 × 18 inches
![A baby sparrow is surrounded by cigarette butts and a full ashtray to its right. There is a pair of snake eyed dice in the lower right corner.](_images/04_paigewetherwax-660x528.jpg)
Prodigal Son // Oil, acrylic, galkyd and cold wax on canvas // 16 × 20 inches
![A severed pig head wears rose-tinted heart sunglasses and has a smiley face ball in its mouth.](_images/05_paigewetherwax-660x498.jpg)
50mg // Oil and linseed oil on canvas // 12 × 16 inches
![Five paintings show mice caught in traps on a pink background. The sixth trap has not been set off.](_images/06_paigewetherwax-660x581.jpg)
It Runs in the Family // Watercolor, acrylic and pigma ink on canson paper // 5 × 7 inches
![A baby pelican with a small, red dunce cap sits on a yellowed mattress in front of a bright window. The pelican’s beak is being held shut by a pierrot’s hand.](_images/07_paigewetherwax-660x385.jpg)
A Convenient Child // Oil, acrylic, stand oil, cold wax and linseed oil on canvas // 17 × 28 inches
![A dissected frog is full of conversation hearts on a pink background.](_images/08_paigewetherwax-660x895.jpg)
Words Left Unspoken // Oil, galkyd and cold wax on canvas // 12 × 16 inches