Honeymoon & Parturition | New Frankenstein Inspired Paintings

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I'm so pleased to announce I recently completed my first paintings in seven years. These were made with great care, some trepidation, joy, and obsession albeit still very experimental in nature. The task was arduous but I can say I'm proud for the experience and what I was able to accomplish after such a long hiatus.

The pieces will be on view tomorrow, October 20th through Halloween in Pasadena, California as a part of a small group show consisting of local artists. For purchase inquiries, I can be contacted directly at hello@casstronaut.com.

First in this small series is "Honeymoon"; a vision of carnage left after a man's indulgence in his insatiable hunger for God-like power. Inspired by the perspective of Elizabeth, the wife and victim of Victor Frankenstein's mania, and a willing participant in the sacrifice of marriage. Ready to give everything to her husband on their wedding night, a sentiment her husband should have shared, but instead his ego robbed everything from her, stealing the precious innocence he so adored.

"Honeymoon"
Watercolor, gouache, and charcoal in antique frame. 23" x 18"

Mae Clarke as Elizabeth in the 1931 film adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

In my mind, this event in the novel is an allegory for virginity. It is telling that her death happened the night of her wedding, understood to be a life giving event. The symbolic gift of body and soul to another could been seen as a literal loss, if we were to see it happening physically. An idea many artists have attempted to emulate symbolically throughout the ages; icons of Jesus and the Virgin Mary for example, literally willing to give up their hearts in thousands of years of great works. When a heart is given willingly, it is life giving. When it is taken by a man or otherwise, it is missing; a perpetual walking, physical and emotional death.

Special thanks to Caitin Stickels for modeling as reference for this piece!

"Honeymoon" in its final stages.

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And finally, "Parturition". Portraying a violent watery birth, a being thrust into an unforgiving world that was destined to reject it. Conceived with no regard for the sanctity of life nor of death, and without thought to the individual being created. Another reason many lovers of the novel argue that Victor is the true villain of the story.

"Parturition"

Watercolor, gouache, and charcoal in antique frame. 23" x 18"

Many of us are familiar with the pains of birth and we sympathize with a mother's sacrifice and anguish in those moments. But none of us can recall how it feels to be born. Do we feel our mother's pain? Is it frightening? Does the shock of the new world hurt us? Do we feel first pangs of loneliness in those initial moments outside of the womb? These were questions I pondered while I created my own version of this creature.

A still from the 1992 film adaption of Frankenstein that inspired "Parturition"

A stage in the first layer of paint that was quite dizzying.

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Along with the show, many events will be taking place at the same location throughout its duration celebrating the bicentennial of the novel. All are public and all are welcome! Please come take a look at these pieces in person if you're able!

Feel free to contact me any time for pricing and availability.