Belly-Cast Painting
I’ve finally completed painting this belly-cast that was given to me by a woman who is the founder of the Alma Midwifery Center. Actually, it was lent to me, with the purpose of having me paint it for an upcoming event, which will display the artistic transformations of 12 Portland artists.
The cast was very bumpy when I picked it up, still revealing the gauze that was used in its creation. My first step was to mix up a new batch of plaster and smooth it over the entire cast, let it dry for a day, then thoroughly sand it. I wanted the outside of the form to reveal more of the details that could be seen within the inside, so I added details such as nipples, which are an important element of a pregnant woman’s form. I then applied several layers of acrylic paint, starting with blue, then turquoise, then metallic gold for an iridescent effect. I decided to paint the form of a tree, bending along the curves of her form, to symbolize the growth process. The branches wrap around the belly and breasts, signifying the gentle movement from seed to maturity. In addition, the branching itself reflects the structure of the vascular system… the blood that brings oxygen into the fetus, sustaining its life.
I feel that it is a triumph to get anything at all done in the studio these days, so it’s actually good to have a deadline on something occasionally. Plans are still on hold for the move to my “art house”, and I’m still going through all of my stuff. Organizing and packing takes forever for someone like me. I have a lot of stuff I’ve collected over the years. Part of me wants to throw it all out just to save the trouble of moving it. Another part of me is still pretty attached, knowing that everything I’ve collected has some purpose and can be used in future artworks…. some day. So I’m taking the middle road. If I’m not absolutely certain I’m going to use something within the next year or so, I’m giving it away or throwing it out. My goal is to get rid of at least 1/3 of my possessions. The process feels a bit like giving birth.
My family helped create my belly cast today. I’m now sitting here looking up painting ideas in the Google Images when this one caught my eye: I thought, “That one looks just like the one at Alma!” I’m planning on having a water birth there and this cast is the one that stood out to me on my tour of the Center. To see it here on the internet is a treat, and I wanted to send you a small note of appreciation for your talent.
Good night, and good luck in your life!
~Crystal Whitten
Thanks so much for your comments, Crystal. It’s quite a coincidence that you happened to see the piece in person before you found it on line… and that you are going to be using the Alma Center as your choice of birthing center. It’s a great place and many wonderful midwives there. While you are there, look around… you will find a couple of my original paintings! Laura, the owner, is a wonderful supporter of my work! Have a blessed birth!