My long term series Inuit Influences consists of a melding of artists,&/ or themes. They are about juxtaposition. They are also about color. My paintings embrace the style/feel of an admired artist and incorporate that image directly or indirectly with an Inuit one. I often use the theme of transformation which is prevalent in Inuit mythology and many other cultures. This latest painting, Inuit/Japanese Influences: Kitsune got started when I decided I wanted to use a sections of Shinto torii gates. Prior to an entry of a shinto or buddhist shrine one passes through a Torii gate which let’s you you pass out of the material world into the spiritual. Much is happening in this painting. Kitsune tsuki is a fox messager for the god Inari. Kitsune are able to possess human beings which for humans can be good or bad. In the upper left hand corner are images of the porcelain alter offerings. Often the statues at shrines have bibs. The white band through the center of the painting has an Inuit fox merging with Inukitut syllabics which say fox. I have given him/her some of the Kitsune spirit indicated by the yellow ball and tip of the tail. I have used Inuit syllabics for many years as pattern integrating with the subject matter.Here I use both languages. In Japan the color red is associated with the sun and happiness. | Inuit/Japanese Influences:Kitsune pastel & oil on canvas: 44"Hx40"W 2019 |