Open Bonnet

The combination of a female personality and an automobile appears in pin-ups and advertisements throughout the decades. Our subject sits on the headlamp of a 1951 Jaguar XK120SE open two-seater (convertible). Barely visible behind her hip is a rejuvenated engine. The cold luster of colors on the floor are reminiscent of the patina of aged metal. The luxurious, sweeping lines of the car simultaneously remind us of the opulence, prosperity, and beauty of the female form. The smooth glow of warm light that fades into cold shadows, sets a quiet mood, anticipating an impending outpouring of power and passion. As a teenager, I saw an exhibit of the Jaguar E-type at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Initially skeptical, I learned to appreciate product design as an art form. With a newfound respect for automobile designers, I was inspired to include car bodies in my artwork.