Incognito and Yet
Today, we’re sitting down with Biloxi artist, Paulette Dove. Her artwork challenges the norms and encourages the viewer to reflect on the actions of not only those around them, but also their own.
Good afternoon, Paulette! I absolutely adore your piece, Incognito and Yet, displayed in the MS Art Colony’s Spring Showcase. I’d love to know more about your background and how you came to be where you are now, artistically speaking.
Good afternoon to you as well! I’m from Biloxi, Mississippi and have lived there most of my life. Biloxi is truly such a good mecca for artists since there are so many there. To go back to my roots, I was always interested in art as a child. As I grew up, I realized that it was what I was best at – that I had found my thing. I took many lessons and majored in art in college. I received my B.F.A and Med from MUW and William Carey University. I went on to teach art in schools for thirty years. My favorite was teaching High School students. I always wanted to create an environment where they felt comfortable to express themselves, and I believe I achieved that. Currently, I teach adult classes at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art and am a full-time artist.
Amazing! I bet teaching children was such a rewarding experience. Can you tell me a bit about what went into creating “Incognito and Yet?” It’s such a unique piece.
Absolutely. Incognito and Yet is from a series called “Almost Human.” The series tells stories about people that have animalistic traits, as well as human characteristics. It translates these aspects into something that the viewer can imagine and relate to. All the pieces are a collection of familiarity and the uncanny. Incognito and Yet has evolved a lot. It started out as a sculpture, then emerged into something that was half-human.
What made you choose the jackrabbit to blend these human characteristics into a subject that is of uncanny nature?
I use a jackrabbit because it has a more human form when standing. The subjects in my paintings started out sitting in social situations. Then, I began to paint my friends, but in a more animal-like form. Now, it has evolved into the subjects wearing a hair mask or googles. This is representative of the fake personas many people project onto the world.
Who or what inspires you when creating these collections?
I try to go to a lot of art galleries seeking inspiration. I have to say that my teachers were very inspirational. I also belong to a group on the coast. We meet to discuss and bounce ideas off each other. The Mississippi Art Colony is a huge influence on my life. The Art Colony fully embraces creating artwork, not just art.
Having a group of supportive artists adds such instrumental value to an artists’ life. In your opinion, how can a town like Canton bring the community together through art?
I think what you’re doing right now is exactly how to do that – by giving the community a chance to stop by and see artwork. I’m very impressed that Canton wants to have original art and showcase it. Using social media, like you are, is an incredible way to go about getting the word out there. Not all small towns embrace it, but I’ve found throughout my career that small towns are most successful when they relish the arts and support local artists. Canton is doing exactly that.
Author: Ace Henley