In this second edition of my ‘Worthy Imposters’ series (a collaborative project with friend and artist Stacey Walyuchow), I’ll outline some of what went into this piece, which was the second portrait to be photographed for this project.
While our son (showcased in PART I, wherein the inspiration was ‘Le Fils de L’Homme’ by René Magritte) was amenable to whatever inspo piece I chose; our daughter was keen to collaborate on the choosing. We both scoured the works of artists we loved and shared them on a private Pinterest board. Our shoot was going to happen over her holiday break from school and so there were some limitations (at least perceived limitations as I was new to navigating the project and it was in the dead of winter!). I thought it would be good to choose something that we could shoot in my studio and that wouldn’t take too much of her time (warm and no travel required), time which uni students and parents alike know is precious when they’re only home for such short stays.
We both loved this piece by Leonardo Da Vinci… some things that spoke to me:
I love art from the Renaissance period, especially the realism and beauty inherent in Da Vinci’s works. I loved that the ‘lady’ is looking out of frame, which I understand was a departure from what had yet been done at the time (which - I’ve learned - makes this particular piece of his especially interesting historically), and is a technique I often use in my present day client work for the mystery + contemplation implied. I love the rich colours, that simultaneously feel ‘soft’. And I love that she is holding an ermine, which just begs so many questions, not to mention the interesting choice to have her hair wrapped under the chin?! (Finn was disinclined to go that route!)
In preparation, I remembered having some red velvet cloth that I’d bought, coincidentally, for a ‘red carpet’ movie theme for Finnley’s birthday party many years ago, and thought it would serve beautifully as a rich and nuanced backdrop. We also liked the idea of incorporating braids as a crown of sorts, and this shawl of mine seemed to fit the bill for attire. Lastly, Finn has an especially close relationship with our one pup Leonard (loves ‘em all but just something extra with this guy)… incorporating him just felt written in the stars (I mean: LEONARD 🎨… I like to think Cohen would be pleased), and - besides - ermines are hard to come by 😜.
My idea was to try to capture a current portrait (she is wearing jeans 😉), while also endeavouring to emulate + evoke a painterly feel. I used in-camera settings that I thought would render what I was going for… but it had its limits and there were aspects to my choices I later regretted. When she came home again a few months later I asked if we could reshoot… BUT it was THIS shot, from our first session, that - despite some tech things I would have wished to have done differently - I continue to love… I love her expression, I love Lenny looking out of frame with her, I love the colours, I love her hair, I love that it shows off her beautiful brown eyes and youthful skin, and I love the necklace + bracelet, both of which are meaningful to her and to our family.
Girl with Leonard / Finnley x Da Vinci
Inspired by Lady with an Ermine by Leonardo Da Vinci
© 2024 Lori Maloney
I am appreciative that this portrait and experience further solidifies for me:
how pivotal it is - in life as in art - to try new things, even if you don’t always (or even EVER) nail it on the first outing!
how - despite what I said above - it’s often a first crack at something that you fall in love with… whether it’s the spontaneity of the moment or something else, there’s just something so pure in ‘firsts.’
and, how collaborating with people you love, AND having portraits of them that you both love, brings such joy, both in the moment and then every time you see the finished artwork (one of the most beautiful aspects of true portrait photography… wherein the experience is so much more impactful than anything Ai could ever do.)
This piece, which is gallery matted and framed, is available as the original and there will be a limited print run as well. Enquire with any questions. There is also a selection of art cards from the Worthy Imposter collection, including this piece, available here.
The third installment is coming soon… an ode to Waterhouse with the timeless soul + beauty of my friend, Marie.
With gratitude,
xo Lori