“Masked Dog & Cat” by Nina Laden
The original title was “Social Distancing” but I also thought of “Wear a Mask For You, and Others, Too.” There are also subtle messages here of acceptance of others- equality for all, and safety for all. And animals represent all of us.
The art is done in Holbein Acryla gouache on Arches hot press 140 lb watercolor paper. The live art area is 11” x 5.”
A poem on the topic of masks (highlighting our eyes) is “I Smile with My Eyes” by David McMullin from HOP TO IT: POEMS TO GET YOU MOVING, an anthology of 100 poems that Sylvia Vardell and I curated. Here’s a video of David reading his poem: https://vimeo.com/476499247. You can share it with kids to get them talking further about this important topic that Nina Laden highlights so beautifully with her art!
Keep smiling! People can see it in your eyes and hear it in your voice.
I agree, Lisa. The need to express one’s feelings mainly with the eyes has become so apparent in the past year. I think that masks will be a part of our lives from here on out, so some degree.
And hand-shaking! Will that be a thing of the past? I dearly hope not.
One of the things I have noticed in this age of mask wearing is how important eyes are in showing expression. Masks themselves have become a form of personal expression as well. I have been wondering lately if we will be completely free of mask wearing in public.