Under Western Stars 2019

Editor: So, this is Terri Kelly Moyers’ 2019 oil painting, "Under Western Stars." There's something dreamy about the scene – a cowgirl on horseback, surrounded by these almost halo-like stars and wildflowers. It's like a contemporary take on a classic Western, but with a touch of the surreal. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It absolutely whispers tales of the West, doesn't it? For me, it’s a meditation on modern mythology, the cowgirl elevated to a near-saintly figure, maybe even a celestial guardian of the plains. Notice how the palette – dusty blues, reds, and greens – evokes both the rugged landscape and a sense of nostalgia. The stars are an interesting touch. They nod to Westerns, sure, but also to classical iconography, Madonnas, and goddesses. Editor: Right, it’s more complex than just a straightforward portrait. It’s interesting how you bring up that sacred association because the cowgirl’s gaze isn't direct. She seems self-possessed, inward-looking almost. Curator: Precisely! I read it as introspection. That, combined with the somewhat surreal composition - floating stars, ethereal flowers - turns it into a landscape of the mind. A personal Western, perhaps. What stories do *you* think she's carrying within? Editor: That's beautifully put. I didn't think about the stories, only the visual impact of all those combined references! The West, almost medieval-like religious paintings… fascinating. Curator: See how a seemingly simple image can be a Pandora’s Box? Each viewing reveals a new facet of meaning, or sometimes just a new angle for reverie. That's what makes art, and the Wild West, endlessly captivating! Editor: Thanks for shedding light on it. I'll never look at a cowgirl painting the same way again!