Elphaba – Deep Dive
About
In this painting, Skye reimagines Elphaba, the central character from
Wicked, the novel by Gregory Maguire. Both the book and the musical
offer a fresh perspective on The Wizard of Oz.
Elphaba, born with green skin and subjected to prejudice because of her appearance,
embodies intelligence, passion, and a fierce sense of social justice.
Over time, her defiance and misunderstood actions lead to her being
labeled the “Wicked Witch of the West.”
The story challenges conventional ideas of good and evil, exploring themes of gender, skin
color, and beliefs.
Imagery
Skye paints her signature flowers, adorning Elphaba’s witches hat, perhaps making less frightening.
The soft, sweet eyes looking longingly back at the viewer. The green complexsion with blush and lipstick takes advantage complementary colors.
The background moves the viewer’s eye as well as frames Elphaba. The complementary colors of blues and oranges provides mystery and yet invites the viewer in closer.
Frame
The flat crowned, modern tabernacle frame trimmed with iridescent green is adorned with Skye’s painted flowers and a hand crafted witches hat and pumpkin sculptures.
A had-sculpted witches hat adorns the top portion of the frame.
Skye hand-sculpted a pumpkin using polymer clay requiring baking and hand painting before adhering to the bottom portion of the frame.
Materials
- Painting
- Acrylic on wood panel
- Acrylic satin finish
- Frame
- Pine wood
- Polymer sculpting clay
- Wood glue, v-nails, and z-clips
- Hung with d-rings and wire
Measurements
- Height: 23.00 inches (58.42 cm)
- Width: 18.00 inches (45.72 cm)
- Depth: 3.75 inches (9.53 cm)
- Weight: 6.00 lbs (2.72 kg)