Reliability in Life (Ramones and Art)

Why would a 37 year old stay-at-home mom spend all of her spare time making Ramones Art Dolls? The answer is not as simple as you might think.

You see, as I've gotten older, I've become increasingly aware that life is not as consistent and reliable as I may want it to be. The shower water comes out tepid. Shows get canceled. They stop making those vegetarian hot dogs we like so much. Bills increase. Income decreases. People get sick. They die. Things in life change.

One thing that I can always rely on is the Ramones. The Ramones maintained their persona, their energy, their Ramonesiness for years. They were as exciting and great when I turned 29 as they were when I turned 12. As uncertain as I was of myself as a teen, the Ramones were there, strong and confident. As much chaos as I inflicted upon myself in my 20's, the Ramones were there, neat and tidy reminding me that I was capable of having better head on my shoulders. And as much as I have on my mind in my 30's, the Ramones are here, as straightforward and comforting as they have always been. They have consistently been present in my life and have always been exactly what I need them to be.

So, my Ramones Art Dolls Series is not just about making cool punk rock statues, it's about consistency and reliability. It's not about recapturing my youth. It is about knowing what to expect next and looking forward to it. It doesn't hurt that they are an incredible rock and roll band.

In my art, I like to create series and serial progressions. I visually enjoy groups of like objects. I adore monochromatic color schemes. The Ramones emulate this by simply being the Ramones. It makes sense to me why I love them so much and why they were the logical subject for this series. My current Ramones dolls are strikingly similar to the very first set I made when I was 11. Consistency within an evolving craft. Consistency within an evolving life. I like that.

Don't get me wrong, I love change in certain forms. If it were not for change, I wouldn't be a happy wife and proud mother. I wouldn't have an incredible relationship with my parents. Without change, we cannot learn. I wouldn't be right here where I am supposed to be if life didn't change.

I also love my comforts in life. My old reliables. The Ramones.

Besides, they are fun. But that's just the icing on the cake.