A Tribute To Oz Trina Schart Hyman

The artwork presents a young girl seated on what appears to be a stylized path or road constructed from yellow bricks. She cradles a small, dark-furred dog in her arms, her posture suggesting both protectiveness and a certain solemnity. The background is composed of simplified, almost cartoonish trees rendered in shades of green and brown against a pale sky. A decorative border frames the composition, adding to its illustrative quality. Above the figure, inscribed in a playful script, are the words Its all about being good and wearing the right shoes.
The girl’s expression is complex; she possesses an air of melancholy or quiet introspection. Her gaze is directed slightly off-center, avoiding direct engagement with the viewer. The meticulous detail given to her braided hair and the bow adorning it contrasts with the more generalized treatment of the landscape, drawing attention to her as the central figure. The dog’s presence reinforces a sense of companionship and perhaps vulnerability.
The inscription above is particularly significant. It introduces a thematic layer that moves beyond simple depiction. The phrase being good suggests a moral imperative or expectation, while “wearing the right shoes” implies a symbolic adherence to societal norms or an appropriate role within a larger narrative. This duality hints at a commentary on appearances versus reality, and the pressures of conformity.
The yellow brick road itself is laden with potential subtext. It evokes notions of journey, aspiration, and perhaps even illusion, given its association with a well-known fictional quest. The artist’s choice to depict this path in such an overtly stylized manner further emphasizes its symbolic function rather than literal representation.
Overall, the work seems to explore themes of morality, identity, and the complexities of navigating expectations within a structured environment. It is likely intended as a commentary on childhood innocence confronted with adult responsibilities or societal pressures, using visual cues and textual elements to convey a nuanced message about goodness, appearances, and the paths we choose – or are expected to take – in life.