Arielle in Slumberland—2006—Oil on Linen—48″ x 48″
Arielle in Slumberland, a portrait that depicts the serene slumber of the artist’s daughter, incorporates transparent and elusive sea creatures that float about the sleeping infant, representing the perpetual and boundless realm of dreams.
Patterns in the wallpaper and carpet imitate ripples that contribute to the subtle theme of waterscapes. Some of Arielle’s first toys, such as the levitating ball and stuffed animal horse, can be seen in the background. The horse leans against her swing, listening quietly to Arielle’s dreams as she rocks gently. While the turtle beneath her acts as an eternal sentinel.
The portrait highlights a slumber so deep, heralding a child unburdened by outside forces and circumstance. Stabin relates to this sleep as an uncommon and sublime state of being that most of us can only hope as adults to revisit. Arielle in Slumberland won Best in Show at the North East Pennsylvania Biennial Art Show held at Marywood University.
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