The Art of Penny Slinger/ Bio-Sphere

1994 Release of video 'Visions of the Arawaks', including 100 paintings of the Indian series with poetry by Penny and original music by Frank Menusan, 70 minutes. Edited at National Video Industries, New York, distributed by Mystic Fire Video, NY.

The original painting reproduced on the cover is entitled 'Anacaona', acrylic, gold leaf and macaw feathers on canvas, 28" x 24".

"She is beautiful, radiant and serene, noble of aspect and royal carriage, her delicate traits underlined with determination. Her smile lightly sketched, she casts an enigmatic glance our way, thoughtful, distant, but at the same time scrutinizing. "What happened to us? " she seems to want to say. And if you pursue this contemplative dialogue with her, she seems suddenly to say,"And you, what is happening to you?"
Who is speaking? Is it Anacaona, this Amerindian princess from Hispaniola, crowned with golden feathers, heroine of another time, martyr of a people who have disappeared? Or is it Penny Slinger, the artist who brought this princess back to life through her painting? Confusion is easy, especially when these two women are in each other's presence."
The Rebirth of a People, Anguilla Life. .

'Tribal Patterns' acrylic on wooden panel, 42" x 24"

1992 'Afrowak Madonna', acrylic on canvas, 20" x 30".

Hammock Days , pastel on paper, 26' x 19".

1998 'The Conversation', pastel on paper, 28' x 23".

'The Golden Tear', pastel and gold leaf on paper 32" x 28".

From 1993-94 I went to New York to work on 'Visions of the Arawaks'. I had always found it difficult as an artist to break up work that had been created as a series. To make a video of the whole Arawak series was like a living catalogue of the pieces and kept the vision intact. I also loved the opportunity of directing the way my paintings were presented. Usually a film-maker creates the documentation of the artist's work, but I felt that the artist who created the works should ideally be the one to guide others through them. The poetry evolved around the spirit in each painting. The music was 'dreamt' by Frank Menusan, who performed it on original Arawak instruments. Most notably, an ancient manatee bone flute that needed to have permission asked of it before it would bring forth a note…But that's another story.
I felt the spirits of the Arawaks guide this whole creation and I felt thankful and blessed that I was chosen to be the vehicle. The production of 'Visions of the Arawaks' marked the completion of the cycle of my life that was lived in the islands and dedicated to them.
To purchase your copy of 'Visions of the Arawaks' video, Amerindian Heritage sets of cards and limited edition prints,click here: www.goddesschannel.com/store.