Black And Blue  – About This Series… by Mandy Joy

While I paint, I very often listen to music and let my mind wander. Imagery sometimes floats through my head and inspires a painting or even an entire series. “Black And Blue” by Counting Crows is one of my favorite songs, despite the sad message, or perhaps because of the sad message. Duritz writes and sings of many hard and real situations in life. This one is about a girl, contemplating suicide, who then lies in bed next to him instead. The way the story is told throughout the song almost seems to me like it could have entirely been in his dream that this happened. Of course, those who have indeed lost someone to suicide also feel it must have been a dream. This provokes images in my head of the sometimes confusing line between reality and imagination, especially in life’s most deep and unbelievable situations, like when someone you know is truly suffering. These paintings – in black, white, and blue – show dreamlike scenes, memories, and peaceful images with meaning to me. In line with Counting Crows “One for sorrow, two for joy…” One is a memorial. Two have to do with strength, perseverance, and victory over hard times. Three are how I imagine “the other side” when someone is now at peace, either in life or in death. I have lost a grandfather I never knew to suicide, as well as classmates and friends when I was in my youth. I’ve experienced the confusion and the ripple effect of the aftermath, and after picturing them at peace, moved on. Feel free to ask me about any individual painting and what it means to me if you would like to know. I hope the gravity of the paintings adds a deeper layer of meaning to this than just the beauty, although if one would rather enjoy the painting only for its beauty or what it means to them, that is just as important. I believe that whatever brings happiness or serenity to one’s life, without taking from another, should be pursued.

“Black And Blue”