Grounded Masculinity
About the Painting
In this patriarchal society of the US, we as a collective are finally starting to see a rise in the value of matriarchy and a swing towards femininity. This long overdue movement is allowing woman to reclaim their equality and step into the goddess being that every single woman possesses. It is such a beautiful moment in time.
In that same notion, masculinity is often being shunned and seen a negative. And there is certainly a good reason why this is happening due to the path patriarchy has led us. However, I believe that true masculinity, Grounded Masculinity is invaluable. I believe that the man who has gone through trials of chauvinism, ego, anger, womanizing and so on, who has gone beyond to reach a place of true beautiful masculinity in its highest of forms deserves to be honored and treated like a God, just as much as the Goddess.
This painting was created to honor and celebrate said man who can laugh like a child and show love and compassion through masculinity in a way in which helps to raise the narrative of the human experience.
With such a tight deadline, there was no time to create an illustration from scratch. Having their approval, I found the perfect stock imagery to leverage. I customized the image by photoshoping Wag’s skull to be a Greatful Dead-like design. To put the spotlight on the bride and bring more warmth to the invitation, I colored Wag’s roses pink. It is the only color on the entire invitation.
The skeleton designs were then later utilized for koozies, cocktail napkins, and styrofoam cups.
This project was a huge success with many guests later writing complimentary notes in their wedding RSVP emails. The project was completed in less than 9 hours, including all client communications, presentations, and revisions.