Stringed Up... Chained Up... It Is All The Same

      Painting about Cuba has opened up my mind to the endless possibilities of images I can paint. I like to think back to the stories I used to listen to from family and friends. I also think about the facts I already know about. All of this serves me as inspiration to paint. 

       I feel torn because I want to paint all of these new ideas for all of you but I can only paint so fast! Therefore, you and I will have to be patient as I create of all these awesome paintings. However, in the meantime, be sure to check out my official website at http://www.The ArtisticGiraffe.com  -- You can view the complete Cuba Libre Series as well as my other series. I am confident you will love it... And please be sure to share it with your family and friends. It is with your support that my artwork will reach a vast number of people and spread it's message! 

So... Let's talk art:

    Stringed Up For The Puppet Master 

     Tell me what you think? What is on your mind? Does the color palette cause you to reflect on something? What message are you receiving from "Stringed Up For The Puppet Master"? I want to hear from you so communicate with me! It is so important to me to hear from my audience. I love to engage in dialogue with you and learn what is on your mind. I am a very open person so let me hear from you! You can follow and communicate with me on:

Facebook:  StephanieOConnorArtwork 
Instagram:  @StephanieOConnorArt

Email:  TheArtisticGiraffe@gmail.com

     I want to give you some back story with "Stringed Up For The Puppet Master". As you may or may not know, Cubans are not free to travel and expand themselves. Unfortunately, the communist government in Cuba forces the Cuban people to be caged within the boundaries of the country. Therefore, "Stringed Up For The Puppet Master" illustrates the chains that Cubans are held on by. The Cuban government is the puppet master and the Cuban people are their puppets. The Cuban government says jump and the Cuban people are forced to ask "How high?"

      If you are an artist, musician, or performing artist, your gift and talent are limited to Cuba. You are not freely given the opportunity to travel and advance outside of the country. Moreover, advancement in Cuba itself is limited to how much you support the Cuban government... Or in other words, how much you can fake it. 

      Cubans are robbed daily of the ability to envision their futures the way they want it to be and voice their thoughts. Everything is monitored in Cuba. Everything is restricted in some way. Everything is done in cover up. Try painting something anti-communist in Cuba and see where that gets you. Here is a hint, it will not get you what you envisioned. 

       If there is one thing I want "Stringed Up For The Puppet Master" to illustrate is the fact that the Cuban people are in chains. They are slaves to communism and forced to eat, sleep, and live communism. Not fun... At all. 

         "Stringed Up For The Puppet Master" is available for sale. It is my newest oil painting in my Cuba Libre Series. It is 30in x 40in on a stretched traditional gallery style canvas. All my other paintings are for sale as well. 

         As usual, I want to take the time to thank you for reading my blog and following my artistic journey. I will be starting a newsletter about myself and my art studio The Artistic Giraffe in Hackensack, New Jersey. If you will like to sign up, please go to http://theartisticgiraffe.com/join-us/ and join my mailing list. Thank you again for your support and time! Have an amazing day! 

Thank you,

Stephanie O'Connor