Portrait > Home Cooking

O
O
Mixed Media (Acrylic, Collage, Spray Paint, Ink) on Cardstock
8.5” x 11”
2024

"Moe" is a heartfelt tribute consisting of three 8.5” x 11” artworks, conceived with love for my cherished friend @onebriefshiningmoment on her birthday, and to commemorate the newest addition to her family, Moe, her beloved horse.

The artwork is a rich layering of elements, beginning with a portrait of her, meticulously transformed into an illustration reminiscent of the intricate linework found in currency design. Rendered in black and white, it exudes a timeless quality.

Next, the portrait is imbued with warmth through earthy hues of mustard yellow and browns, grounding the piece with a sense of connection to the earth and nature—a nod to the rustic charm of farm life and the bond between human and horse.

Superimposed upon this portrait is the poignant verse of one of her poems, composed in Spanish—a language she holds dear. This poetic layer adds depth and personal significance, capturing a fleeting moment of creativity and emotion.

Finally, hovering above the imagery is a photograph of her majestic horse, Moe, accompanied by the letters M, O, and E in ornate Old English script, delicately painted in gold. This regal touch elevates the artwork, symbolizing the inherent value of poetry, farm life, and the profound bond between horse and rider—values far more precious than mere material wealth.

The deliberate choice of gold paint and currency-inspired illustration serves as a reminder that the true treasures in life are not measured in monetary terms, but in moments of connection, creativity, and love.

Private collection of Jessica Salabarria