Sometimes you just need a little extra Monday motivation … am I right?
I've been considering a "Heroes of Childhood" series off and on for a while now. Without anything resembling a game plan, I recently sat down in the studio and just jumped in with one of my faves—E.T.
Though I don't have specific memories of my own (I had just turned two a few weeks before the movie's release), I have heard many a story about the numerous times we had to go to the theater to see it; how I was engrossed in what was going on up on the big screen while slowly sipping on strawberry slushies and gobbling up popcorn. Though there was an exception—the woods scene at the beginning (too scary!). Again, I was two … There also exists photographic evidence of some of the merch, including at least one plush doll and a preschool headshot wearing my E.T. necklace. (btw, is it just me or is an alien head an odd bit of jewelry to own? Between you and me, I wish I still had it …)
I loved E.T. as a kid. The movie has a lot of heart and I will still stop to watch when I come across it on TV. Or if it's been a while, I'll pop in the DVD. E.T. was a long way from home and the rest of his family, looking to find a way to connect and feel safe in a big, troubling (and sometimes scary) world. We can all relate to that once in a while. As an adult, I'm still enamored with his connection and care to other living things. I’m not going to lie—I also geeked out a bit when riding the E.T. Adventure ride at Universal in the early 2000s.
And so Be Good (below) seemed like the logical result of this random act of art. He now hangs above my workspace, quietly motivating me as I step into the next project.
Enjoy!
Be Good, from the Heroes of Childhood series. Mixed media on board, 9”x12”. © 2021 Jen Sheckels
