I created this piece originally titled, Linda (Persian Angel), shortly after the Supermodel series. I know the date says 1994 but I think the actual collage part of this piece was around 1993. Maybe earlier. Remember that all times are wobbly like LFO modulated bass.

After those initial Supermodel pieces, I decided I wanted to work larger. I also wanted to create all the cut elements from photocopies rather than actual magazine images.

Instantly the idea of referencing Mexican/Latin virgin imagery was important. I say Mexican first because that is how I gained contact with the idea. From the Mexican community in North Carolina.

But as I started to research angelic imagery the Persian angels drew me the most. Here were angels with fiery swords and Final Fantasy super powers. Not the banal guardian angels of sappy American television and myth.

My best moment in this piece is the blue shift of Linda. I just copied the finished mockup in blue onto transparency. Offset. Copied again and then cut the whole image out. This is pre-Photoshop for me and quite a feat.

The rays of light were cut using a pattern. I drew the initial pattern. Refined and then cut two sets for each ray. A green and a yellow out of severely zoomed printed matter. Copies of copies of copies.

Easily one of my best pieces. But then I took it down the stony end.

So I then decide to take this lovely piece and make a painting out of it. I want it big so I decide to blow it up and do an acrylic transfer. But it’s too big for the size of the transparencies of that time.

So I break the image across six or eight letter sized sheets. I then cover those edges with gold paint and do this horrible hand painted white to dark blue gradation. Arrrrggghhh!

It wasn’t horrible but I can’t bring myself to post the scan here. Maybe in the comments section someday.

I must say it did get me into an art show juried by Guggenheim Scholar Faith Ringgold. I even got one on one time with her and the piece. One of those memorable moments in my life.