The Eye: Mary Chiaramonte
By: Chris Klimek
Special to The Examiner
February 8, 2009
 |
|
"Tulsa" by Mary Chiaramonte. -- Courtesy Photo
|
WASHINGTON — Name: Mary Chiaramonte
Occupation: Artist
Residence: Radford, Va.
Why I chose this picture: I worked at a florist's shop over the summer. At the end of the summer I was house-sitting for my boss, who had a pack of seven Airedale Terriers as well as this wonderful truck on their farm that I wanted to photograph together. One of the terriers, Bear, took to following me around during my stay. He was different — his ears stuck up. I don't know if they were cropped or if he was born that way, but he had these crazy bat-ears. [His owner] also had 13 goats, and Bear was always trying to get into the goat pen. He was the mischievous one.
So I set up my camera, and basically I was only able to get in three shots as this massive thunderstorm was churning just as I decided to go out there. In the last shot, right when the rain came on, Bear just happened to turn and look straight at the lens as the shutter went.
I painted this from that photograph. I wanted the idea for this one to be of loyalty, and the shift from it. Obviously, the dog is a symbol of loyalty for us all, and my turning away, or leaving him, is the abandonment.
If you go
» Where: Nevin Kelly Gallery, 1400 Irving St. NW, #132
» Info: Free; nevinkellygallery.com; 202-232-3464
