Friday, May 26, 2006

Illustration Friday - Cake

Taught Racism

This was an editorial piece I did back in 1993. The topic I had to illustrate was an article on taught racism. When parent teach there children to be a racist. As we all know racism is something you learn from others especially parents. I have a daughter about this age now and I see that everyday she is color blind and that's truly wonderful. Very few parents teach racism, but they do it in their actions and as we know kids pay much more attention to your actions than words. As for the illustration it's done with oil washes and prismacolor. Please comment.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

I heart this. Do more.

AscenderRisesAbove said...

wonderful. astounding. amazing in both image and concept. excellent job

carla said...

This is an incredibly powerful image! The concept is right in your face, and the work is awesome...I am really taken in by the light on her face. Bravo!

Wilnara said...

Okay- first this is a very profound and powerful image!!!! The details you captured in the little girl is breathtaking!!!! The subtle use of symbols is thought provoking!!!!! Absolutely Wonderful!

arvindh said...

Wow! what a powerful message through a breathtaking illustration!!

Amy Zaleski said...

Wow, this is incredible! You have a real mastery of light, and it's so effective as an editorial illustration!

Jaimie said...

beautiful painting and wonderful commentary.

Anonymous said...

Great job Jay. I remember an early episode of racism here in Atlanta when I was a small child. My dad had taken me to a Braves game at the Fulton county stadium. I went to the water fountain and there was a black kid with light colored splotches on his skin (now I know it was Vitiligo). Another white kid was picking on him. I stood up for the black kid and told the white kid to leave him alone. The kid seemed shocked that I would stand up for this black kid...and he went on his way. I am so glad that I was also "color blind" at such an early age. I also remember singing Sunday School songs at a very early age, "Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight." These things left an impression on me -- including my Christian parents who taught me respect for others, regardless of the color of their skin.
Anyway...your illustration got me thinking...thanks for that!

Bearuh said...

Very smart... I love all of your work... you are an extremely good artist!! I just happened to run across it just now.. I plan to run across more often!! Thanks for posting such awe inspiring work!