Jeaneen Carlino (http://www.jeaneencarlino.com/artwork/ )

"Ya Basta" (2002)

"Bittersweet Vibrations"

From her autobiographical blurb, we learn that Jeaneen Carlino creates 'female divinities.' I love that she includes Mexican motifs and focuses on women. Much like the other artists that I have chosen to reflect upon, Carlino experiments with color, different mediums, and geometric patterns - THIS, I LOVE. "Ya Basta" evokes inner strength and beauty; the title, in itself, reflects the emotion of the woman she depicts in the painting. Clutching onto a baston (walking stacking), the woman seems to be standing her ground. Behind her, a wonderful, whimsical background - a figure, perhaps, her inner spirit, dancing at a distance. Dressed in cultural attire, with a bandana over her mouth, the woman is not one to mess with!

In the second piece, "Bittersweet Vibrations," a purple woman sits on a tapete (rug/blanket) and plays a flauta (flute), next to a gramophone. Under the tapete, there is grass; however, under the gramophone, there is color, striped flooring - giving the impression that the painting transcends over different locations. Carlino includes mushrooms - which begs the question: is she referring to hallucinogenic mushrooms? Maybe, maybe not, but she certainly alludes to spirituality throughout her artwork. The artist, herself, is inspired by music - this is what I can most relate to. Music is something that I am very passionate about; while it may not be my calling, it is something that inspires much of my writing.