In Mixed Roads, three roads of varying length are the central focus of the piece. These roads are variegated, alternating stripes decorating their lengths; they appear to be constructed out of more than one material. The monochromatic, gray color scheme gives the roads a monolithic, dominating feel. Set against a simple white background, the roads stand out, projecting a powerful and imposing impression. The texture of the surface of the roads is realistic, and they appear to be bumpy and scratchy like real asphalt. Looking at this painting, one can almost feel the rough surface of the road on the shoe soles as they scrape against the pavement.
The length and shape of the roads is also worthy of noting. The first road is the longest, yet it curves around and seems to collapse into itself. The traveler taking this road would find himself back at his starting point. The second road is not as long as the first, but it is a fully extended, straight line from one point to another. This is a clearer, more defined path, and the traveler who chooses this road will find he has traveled somewhere. The third road is quite short, and it seems to have been interrupted somehow. This truncated road represents the road not traveled, the trip not taken, the adventure missed because of laziness or apathy.
These roads represent journeys that one can choose to take or not take. By having a clearly defined set of goals, the shorter path can sometimes be the most effective. The second road in the painting is shorter than the first, and therefore requires less effort to travel. Yet the overall effect is better from the shorter journey. Instead of traveling aimlessly only to end up back at the starting point, the traveler actually moves somewhere, bringing him closer to his destination.
©1998-2009 Claretta Taylor Webb. All Rights Reserved
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