First: The definition of dross. Taken from dictionary dot com.
1. In Metallurgy: A waste product taken off molten metal during smelting - the scum that forms on the surface of molten metal as a result of oxidation.
2. Waste or impure matter.
3. Worthless, commonplace, or trivial matter.
In this painting the dross represents all of these definitions. In the literal sense the fire at the bottom is heating up the bottom portion of the dress form while gold leaf flickers between the flames. As the fire burns the impurities surface. These impurities then can be skimmed off and thrown away to reveal pure gold. A seagull (scavenger) watches.
When the idea for this painting came, I began looking for items during walks or from my car to the supermarket etc. I skimmed the ground to find pieces of trash. You would be amazed at what you find on the ground that we all walk over, on and pass by. These little discarded objects were once part of something. They belonged to someone and they all had their own story. It was quite an interesting process. Yes, it's junk, trash, garbage - whatever you want to call it but that is the point. We all have some sort of trash in our lives don't we? If you say no to that question, I don't think you really know yourself. Here is where you fill in the blanks. Have you wished you hadn't_____? Are you addicted to_____? Do you have a_____? Will you ever forgive____. Have you ever_____? Do you _____too much?
God is who reveals the trash in my life. I alone can't get rid of that trash. It is God that reveals it and who gives strength to get rid of it. It hurts just as if I have been held over a fire allowing the dross to surface but in the end I shall see the reflection of hope in the purist of gold.
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