TakeUsUnderYourWing TakeUsUpOnYourBack Leo & Diane Dillon

The composition presents a central figure framed within an ornate, gilded border that evokes traditional portraiture while simultaneously distancing it from conventional artistic representation. The individual depicted is positioned centrally, seated and gazing directly at the viewer with a somewhat enigmatic expression – a mixture of amusement and detached observation. Their attire consists of a loose-fitting white shirt, draped over what appears to be a green blanket or shawl, contributing to an air of casualness that contrasts with the formality of the setting.
A multitude of symbolic objects cluster around the figure, creating a dense visual field. Several crows are prominently featured; one perches atop the head, others cling to the shoulders and lower body, each bearing small tags or labels affixed to their legs. These birds, traditionally associated with ill omens or messengers from beyond, seem to be both companions and burdens for the central figure. A fish, rendered in vibrant green and yellow hues, rests near the lower right corner, its scales shimmering with an almost unnatural intensity.
Further enriching the symbolic landscape are a collection of tools – brushes, feathers, and what appears to be a small musical instrument – arranged along the left side of the composition. These objects suggest creativity, artistry, or perhaps even manipulation. A grotesque, mask-like figure is nestled in the individual’s lap; its exaggerated features and unsettling grin introduce an element of the uncanny and potentially represent suppressed anxieties or hidden aspects of personality.
The overall effect is one of surrealism and layered meaning. The painting seems to explore themes of responsibility, protection, and the complexities of human relationships. The presence of the crows with their tags might allude to a sense of obligation or being weighed down by external expectations. The mask-like figure could symbolize the burden of appearances or the masks we wear in social interactions. The tools suggest an active role in shaping ones reality, while the fish may represent abundance or hidden depths. Ultimately, the work resists easy interpretation, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay between vulnerability and power, comfort and constraint.