Call for Art: Liberty for All

Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria and curator John Gascot invite Tampa Bay artists to submit entries for their upcoming exhibit Liberty for All. 

This group exhibit will feature artworks celebrating and exploring LGBTQ Pride and the theme of equality. Tampa bay area artists may submit up to 5 quality images (at least 500x500 and no larger than 1000x1000 pixels) of available works. Each entry should measure no less than 6" x 6" and no larger than 30" x 40". Medium to smaller (easy to travel with) works are encouraged as the exhibit will run during St. Pete's Pride festivities, which attract large number of tourists. All work must be properly wired (no sawtooth hangers) and ready to hang upon delivery.

Liberty for All will run from June 5, 2017 through August 6, 2017. Commission split is 30%,with 70% to the artist. Please submit images along with Title/Medium/Size info for each to: jgascot@gascot.com

Submission deadline: Friday, May 26.

Acceptance emails will be sent by Monday, May 29.

All accepted works must be delivered on Sunday, June 4, 5pm.

An opening reception for this exhibit will be held on Saturday, June 10, 6-9pm.

If you wish to receive email notifications about future artist calls or if you are submitting for this one please join the Artist Call email list via the link below:

 http://eepurl.com/bIofsz

Trinity Within

It's no secret that I have issues aplenty with organized religions. In my opinion they seldom serve to empower and free the individual. Quite the opposite, actually. There are of course, as with all things, exceptions and I do know and hold the utmost respect for people who have found evolved and inclusive ways to navigate religious waters.
However at odds I might find myself with the concepts and rules of organized religions, I can't help but be continually inspired by its imagery, folklore and pageantry. It is a clear and undeniable influence in much of my work. I strive to use this imagery in ways that might be empowering to the viewer.
In this piece, Trinity Within, I propose a female Holy Trinity, as I find feminine energy to be the strongest and purest. I'm sure my attraction to female energy isn't unrelated to having been raised solely by women. I have always enjoyed a point of view that is well aware of the changes women can set into motion in this world and the powers they possess. It is by no coincidence that they have always been in a struggle for equality and on the forefront of change.
In my paintings I propose that strength is always within us and we need not depend on or subscribe to biblical routines to find the solution to our problems, let alone reach a place of inner-peace.
The flowers in Trinity Within hold special meanings. Water Lilies (a recurring element in my work) represent rebirth. Cosmos are often seen as symbols of love and peace. Most importantly, the Bird of Paradise represents the exploration of unchartered territories and the search for one's personal paradise.

Trinity Within, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 36"