Juila Googlia; Clover in Chair

by Jennifer Kelly

“‘Julia Googlia’ is a portrait of my youngest child. It’s a celebration of that defiant spirit to be strange without explanation or justification. I admire Julia’s stance, their head held high, creating a bold image of themself not easily ignored or consumed. It’s weird and labor-intensive to do all that googly eye placement, but it’s a good weird. Drawing that image was similar: certainly labor intensive, and maybe an odd choice, but good for me. I’ve always admired Julia’s boldness, it’s a bravery I occasionally muster when making art. Clover is my oldest child. In ‘Clover in Chair’ she sits in her spike-studded jean jacket, Doc Martin boots, and bleach blonde hair, pointedly ignoring me as I take her picture. As I painted the scene, I could almost feel the stiff, smooth leather of the chair, hear the upholstery creak and grumble as Clover settles herself in its seat. I love that the realistic painting style creates that strong visceral experience of the depicted space. I’m also delighted by the swooping internal motion of the composition. The semicircular lines in the arms of the chair are echoed in the curves of her legs, the soles of her boots, and the oval of her terrific hair. The composition practically juggles your eyes in loops around the canvas. I wonder how this seated vignette can exhibit such a feeling of calm while containing so much movement. Much like the bristling emotional storm within the painting’s beloved and solemn teenage subject.”