Life at the End of the World

A Finnish friend of mine once refused to describe his experience growing up in far northern Lapland, where in winter man lives in perpetual darkness, and even in summer trees literally twist themselves trying to chase the sun’s fleeting circuit across the sky. “That,” he said with a dismissive shrug, “was life.” I’ve tried often to remember those words when attempting to interpret unique and offbeat artistic themes such as Sara Broski’s positioning of animals against largely empty backdrops, as typified in Polar Opposites. I’d like to think there is a suggestion here, in the polar bears’ amble over the barren ice toward each other, that life at the end of the world is not so lonely after all. Similarly, in Unfinished, to employ another example, I’m just presumptuous enough to see more than a shark without a fin. Maybe this is a picture of identity confusion. Maybe it’s deeper than that. Or perhaps, at the end of the day, the creative force behind Hisss Illustration is just painting “life.”

Whatever the case, one can’t help but be impressed with the clever juxtapositions and even wittier titles particular to her work—Newly Webbed being an apt example. (The humor is so perfectly placed, in fact, that I wonder sometimes which came first, the art or the title.) But whether you gravitate toward her still life portraits of ships or skulls, her ironically manipulated animal life, her faux-portraits ranging from Lincoln to Blanche (of Golden Girls fame, for the unitiated), or any of a dozen other themes, you’re sure to find something to like in the Hisss repertoire. You might even be lucky to win a print for yourself. For the winner of this giveaway, Sara Broski is offering a print of the reader's choice. To qualify, visit Hisss Illustration, then return here to tell us about your favorite print. Wishing Willow subscribers receive a second entry, so be sure to let us know in a second post that you subscribe. (If you don't have a Google account, just click “anonymous” to leave a post. Be sure to also leave your email address.) The winner will be chosen randomly. Contest ends 10/21/08.

**We have a winner! Cindi who said "Hello, What unusual and eclectic paintings! We had a pet fox and I really like the "Faux Fox" painting!"Another favorite of mine is the "Gerber Daisies!" Please enter me in your delightful drawing. I love to use paintings/prints in our home. Many thanks.**