Intimate Discoveries a la Frida Kahlo | By Unicia R. Buster
A Series of Self-Portrait Paintings • January 2020-Present
"Goddess of Love"
By Unicia R. Buster
Acrylic painting on stretched canvas
30"w x 40"h
The story of this painting is a simple one. A gentlemen who had taken an interest in me, on one particular occasion, called me the Goddess of Love. I laughed at him thinking he was trying to play me for a fool but he claimed to be serious. After parting ways, I gave it some thought and looked up various goddesses. Being a Christian, I was not aware of most of them. The stories were fascinating and I began to feel that I indeed embodied their personas. I did this self-portrait as a combination of a few of them, but mostly Hetheru (Egyptian), and Aphrodite (Greek). Read a little about both of them as well as Qadshu (Syrian), Inanna-Ishtar (Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, and Assyrian), Branwen (Welsh), and Venus (Roman) on my blog.
"Natural"
By Unicia R. Buster
Acrylic painting on stretched canvas
36"w x 36"h
I feel deeply for our earth but at the same time hopeless for her. Our human presence has only grown and plagued her with countless atrocities. This self portrait is a reflection of myself as equal to nature instead of above it. I respect her and all her wonders and I know her powers. I imagine a space where we are made much smaller and our impact on earth is far less extensive if impactful at all. As a human, I stand apart surrounded by my plastic and cut trees. Using vast amounts of energy in exchange for comforts and amenities. The octopus in his aquarium stares at me. Where will I stand when the earth ceases to be?
"Floating"
By Unicia R. Buster
Acrylic painting on stretched canvas
36"w x 36"h
This painting is inspired by a poem I wrote in May of 2020 of the same name. It is about the push and pull of struggle that, if we live long enough, we all experience. It's easy to get lost in despair and depression when faced with the fragility of mortality - a theme I ponder often. But it's how we overcome these emotions and rise to the surface and light that keeps us moving forward with life.
Check out my blog to read the poem.
"Fragility"
By Unicia R. Buster
Acrylic painting on stretched canvas
36"w x 36"h
In my painting, I exist as a human-animal hybrid with an Atlas Moth. Around me are a Luna Moth and a White Ermine Moth. We are resting in the trees overlooking a river. Butterflies and moths are known for going through metamorphosis. We view this change symbolically and metaphorically as going through struggle and coming out transformed into something beautiful. As I look at myself and the things I value in my life along with all that I have been through, I hope that I come to the end of my journey knowing that I have transformed to become one with nature and hoping that she was apart of me all along.
"Connections"
By Unicia R. Buster
Acrylic painting on stretched canvas
36"w x 36"h
This painting is inspired by the connections we make with each other. Everyday we interact with others, and we leave these interactions with certain emotions. When they are positive, we have the energy to move forward; and when they are negative, it can take us backwards. And all of these emotions link us forever throughout our lives as they help to shape who we are individually, and they influence future connections with others. I am who I am today because of all of the connections I've made throughout my life - as early as my conception to as late as new found friendships.