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Eleven Eyes Have It1990 Watercolor on paper 56.0" x 42.0" Private collection The Japanese Ukiyo-e fan inspired this arrangement. The first time I saw this kind of art I was just knocked out. There wasn't much exposure to it in Hillsboro, Texas. When I moved to San Francisco in 1966, the whole Asian aesthetic amazed and fascinated me. The Geisha looks down on Harlequin, her scarf in her mouth, but he looks ahead, taking no notice of her. The three iridescent green rooster feathers direct the viewer's eye between the two. With the complementary red flowers do they resemble a heart? Will the crystal ball tell all? The Chinese dragon embroidery, the turquoise Navajo bracelet, and the Egyptian scarab relate to the geisha's blue headscarf. Egyptian henna, perfumes, and jewelry are feminine devices for enhancing appearance and drawing attention. Above the Geisha's head sits Sita the Wonder Pug. There are eleven eyes in the painting. Can you find them? |