In Search of the Unicorn

"Believe" by Snow Mack, 24" x 36" Oil In Canvas, frame title "Myth" mixed media 35" x 41"

Horses are a part of my psyche and appear throughout my work.  One of my earliest drawings, at age five, was of a horse.  "Believe", my first Unicorn painting, was inspired by series of events.  In February 2011, I was visiting my husband, Kevin Mack, at a film studio in Brooklyn.  In his office, there was a random B & W Xerox of a photo of a Unicorn.  I was fascinated by the image, the only personal touch in a completely empty office.  I wondered who left this wonderful image behind when they cleared out of the temporary space. A few months later we were sightseeing on the Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center, looking out over the various areas of New York City. Finding the sites on a tourist map, one location caught my eye; The Cloisters claimed to have the largest collection of Unicorn Tapestries in World! The Cloisters completely transport the visitor to a world where mythology coexists with reality.   

From the Cloisters, one of the seven Flemish tapestries depicting The Hunt of the Unicorn. Here the Unicorn appears to be more goat than horse.

I had a chance encounter with the artist Camomile Hixon.  Hixon was preparing an exhibit at Frank Pictures Gallery in Bergamot Station, Santa Monica CA.  I was fascinated to learn about Hixon's Missing Unicorn project. In 2010, Hixon began a NYC wide installation putting up 1500 posters in Manhattan.  Within a few hours more than 1000 calls had been made to the Unicorn Hotline.The project is ongoing.  I asked Hixon to sign the photo of the Unicorn I had found in Brooklyn.  She signed it with a quote from "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll, "I'll believe in you if you believe in me.".  I was inspired to create a Unicorn painting, titled "Believe" with a frame titled "Myth".  

Bare wood frame ready for adornments. I want this frame to compliment the Unicorn. I decided to make Hulk Pez and Wolverine Pez the main elements.

In progress on the frame, first toys are set in Texture Paste from Nova Color. Allow to dry over night before moving on to another side.

I enjoy gathering random pieces to cover the frame.

After all the pieces have dried into place, I lightly gesso the pieces and mask any gems or objects that will not be sprayed with gold.

I use Montana Gold in Bright Gold spray paint.

"Believe" installed for "Chroma GoGo: Tribute To Lisa Frank" Exhibit at The Hive Gallery, Los Angeles, CA Exhibit opening 8/3/2013 runs till 8/31/2013