An Untold Story Portrait of Guy Anthony Green by Karen Schectman Cole

From Guy’s mother Kim Green:

My, My First Born Son

3 - 27 - 76 TO 1 - 8 - 99

G- genuine

U-unique

Y-youthful

A-artistic

N-nostalgic

T-tolerant

H-appy

O-ut going

N- ame Sake

Y-earning For Inner Peace

G-generous

R-reserved

E-arnest

E-enthusiast

N-ight Hawk

I remember sit in a chair at your grandmom Connie's house thinking of you, crying thinking how could this be, it's not real you are going to walk in this house soon!!! BUT, THAT INNER VOICE, THAT SINKING FEELING, NUMBNESS.

My son when I think/ thought of you this is what/ how I describe you in words ONE LOVE UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN LOVE MOM

From the artist Karen Schectman Cole:

For I dipped into the future,

far as the eyes could see,

saw a vision of the world

and all the wonder that could be.

 Alfred Lord Tennyson

The eyes of Guy Anthony Green captivated me since I first received the photos from his mother for this project. I have always loved exploring faces, crows’ feet, laugh lines, scars, the asymmetry . . . the EYES and the stories they tell.By painting with acrylics, drawing with charcoal and pencil, collaging with vintage papers, painted papers and then adding multiple layers of encaustic medium, I wanted to preserve the story of Guy and imagine his future.

From the curator: This portrait, part of the very first exhibition, captivated all who came to see the show. Karen captures the young man and the child in a moment, perhaps looking up from a book, and draws us into their musings, their closeness and warmth. The collaged panels behind Guy resemble an open book - perhaps the untold story of the title. One of the most endearing qualities of this work is the use of encaustic. Karen told me this would enable the family to touch the portrait and feel the warmth of the wax surface. Whenever I took children, or anyone actually, through the exhibition I told them they could touch the portrait (usually frowned upon when artwork is concerned). The connection to Guy through this act of respect and care is powerful.

An Untold Story Portrait Guy Anthony Green by Karen Shechtman Cole acrylic, collage, charcoal, encaustic 24"x24" 2017