The Love Witch paintings are a series of artworks created by the American artist Elaine Parks. These paintings depict various aspects of love, relationships, and the complexities of human emotions. The Love Witch paintings often feature vibrant colors, intricate details, and a mix of realism and surrealism. They exude a sense of whimsy and fantasy, inviting viewers into a world where love takes center stage. One of the recurring themes in these paintings is the power dynamics within relationships. Parks explores the dynamics of love, desire, and control, often depicting women as both seductive and empowered.
Of the show, Dennis said the subtitle Queer Exposure “means the works are primarily R-rated oil paintings, photography, silk screens and drawings. This show is intended for mature and progressive adults who are not offended by artistic depictions of nudity.”
Dennis, who came up with the concept for the show, said he was inspired by the annual Mississippi Mud exhibit in Detroit, the area s only Black erotic art show. Their paintings are just so incredible and fantastically different as they both have a terrific grasp of color and of that very difficult medium of oil painting.
Parks explores the dynamics of love, desire, and control, often depicting women as both seductive and empowered. Her portrayal challenges traditional notions of femininity and invites viewers to question societal expectations. The Love Witch paintings also delve into the dark side of love.
Queer Erotic Art Show at Affirmations Showcases Senior Talent
A new art exhibit at Affirmations, Ferndale’s LGBTQ+ community center, has a unique focus: erotic art created by senior artists.
Four artists from Affirmations’ Senior Koffee Klatch will present their work as part of the 4×4: Queer Exposures exhibit starting Aug. 30. Local artists participating in the event include John JD Dennis, Dave Gelbach, Richard Miller and Steven Schoeberlein, who will each display four works of art.
Artwork by Dave Gelbach. Courtesy photo
Dennis, who came up with the concept for the show, said he was inspired by the annual Mississippi Mud exhibit in Detroit, the area’s only Black erotic art show. “It made me think that this could be something that we could pull off — a queer erotic art show,” he said.
So Dennis turned to a few of his friends from the Koffee Klatch. “They’re a really large, active group at Affirmations, which we refer to as the Chit Chat Club.” Dennis says he goes every Wednesday and has for quite a while. “I noted the art on the walls and one day I went to the front desk and said, ‘Who do I talk to about putting some art up on these walls?’”
The person he needed to talk to was Justin Bettcher. Bettcher got permission from the higher ups for Dennis to put up a show on the Purple Wall in the center’s Pittman-Puckett gallery space. Dennis turned to his friends from Chit Chat Club who he knew also did art. “I had been in a class taught by Steve Schoeberlein,” he said. “Then I knew Richard did photography.” In addition, Dennis asked Dave Gelbach. A fifth artist, Robert Evans, might be added to the show if there is room.
Dennis, born in Iowa and currently residing in Royal Oak, has lived in Southeast Michigan most of his life. Finding the Senior Koffee Klatch was, he said, “a blessing,” adding that “the group is a great and fun social outlet.”
In addition to holding regular meetings at the center, they have group picnics, game days, group dinners, trips to the movies, golf, museums and shows. “It’s sometimes tough to make new friends when you get older,” said Dennis, noting that the Koffee Klatch has been a great place to start.
Of the show, Dennis said the subtitle Queer Exposure “means the works are primarily R-rated oil paintings, photography, silk screens and drawings. This show is intended for mature and progressive adults who are not offended by artistic depictions of nudity.”
Miller, Dennis said, has been instrumental in helping to create the show. He created the flyers and posters and other advertisements. “He has a great eye for format, color and presentation. He’s a multi-talented silk screen artist and photographer, among other forms of artistic expression.”
Artwork by John JD Dennis. Courtesy photo
And as for Gelbach and Schoeberlein? “Their paintings are just so incredible and fantastically different as they both have a terrific grasp of color and of that very difficult medium of oil painting. And Robert Evans, his work is fun and quirky and adds a whole different element to the show.”
Miller, for his part, is a Grosse Pointe native who lived in Los Angeles for more than 40 years. Like Dennis, Miller said the Koffee Klatch has become very important to him. “I was lost when I first moved here, looking for any gay resources I could find online. I found Affirmations and found Senior Koffee Klatch. I quickly discovered that I enjoyed it a lot. The group has a huge heart, immense kindness and empathy. The people who don’t possess those qualities seem to attend one meeting and they never return.”
Miller started taking photos at the age of 8. “In the swinging 1960s, I was only about 13 years old, but was heavily influenced by that period,” he said. “I discovered artists that I greatly admire, photographers like Diane Arbus and George Platt Lynes. I enjoyed Andy Warhol’s work, which got me interested in silk screening.”
In May, Miller returned to L.A. to empty his storage space, which included his photos and a massive number of photo negatives. “I shipped it all back and have begun to sort through a lifetime of work.” Miller said he has digitally scanned about half of his images so far.
“I would describe my art as ‘ever evolving,’” he said. “I embrace any new digital technology, and I use Photoshop, Illustrator and other programs to either improve or alter my images.”
Artwork by Richard Miller. Courtesy photo
Miller said he has not done any showings of his work since about 1990 and that this will be his first show in Michigan. It’s important to him, he said, because his work pays homage to a dear friend he lost to the AIDS epidemic.
“He is the blond model in some of the photos in the exhibit,” said Miller. “He died at age 30. He was a beautiful man, inside and out.” Christopher Hall, the model, was a dancer in Las Vegas shows and even appeared behind Jane Fonda in a couple of her exercise videos.
Schoeberlein is not a Koffee Klatch regular but has attended a couple of their meetings. He works now as a full-time artist. He currently has work at the Hannan Center and the Scarab Club. Schoeberlein also teaches part time at Articipate in Berkley.
Schoeberlein said Queer Exposures “has the common thread of the male as subject.” He said he is happy to be a part of the show, where “all of the artists have a niche in individual expression and a signature that identifies their work.”
4X4: Queer Exposures will run Aug. 30 through September at the Affirmations LGBTQ+ community center in Ferndale (290 W. Nine Mile Road). The Senior Koffee Klatch meets each Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Affirmations in Ferndale and on Fridays at 1 p.m. at the Royal Oak Senior Center (3500 Marais Ave.).
Also I hope my tone doesn’t come off as rude or aggressive I just enjoy discussing topics such as this and giving the “what ifs”
They explore themes of obsession, heartbreak, and the consequences of unrequited love. Parks' use of symbolism in her paintings adds depth and layers to her narratives, inviting viewers to interpret and explore their own emotions and experiences. In addition to exploring the intricate web of emotions that love brings, the Love Witch paintings also reflect on the intersection of love and spirituality. Parks incorporates elements of mysticism and the occult in her artworks, creating a mystical and enchanting atmosphere. These elements serve to further explore the complex and mysterious nature of love. Overall, the Love Witch paintings offer a unique and thought-provoking perspective on love and relationships. Through vibrant colors, enchanting symbolism, and intricate narratives, these artworks invite viewers to reflect on their own experiences and emotions. Parks' unique style and storytelling make the Love Witch paintings a captivating exploration of the complexities of love..
Reviews for "Enchanting and Ethereal: The Haunting Beauty of Love Witch Paintings"
1. Sara - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "The Love Witch Paintings." I had heard so much hype about it, but when I saw it in person, I just couldn't connect with the artwork. The colors were too gaudy for my taste, and the overall composition felt messy and chaotic. I appreciate that art can be subjective, but this just didn't resonate with me.
2. Mark - 1/5 - I can't believe I wasted my time and money on "The Love Witch Paintings." I found the whole exhibition to be pretentious and meaningless. The artist seemed to be trying too hard to be edgy and provocative, but it just came across as forced and uninspiring. The themes and symbolism were so obscure and convoluted that I couldn't make any sense of it. Overall, a complete disappointment.
3. Jane - 3/5 - "The Love Witch Paintings" left me feeling conflicted. While I can appreciate the technical skill and attention to detail in the artwork, the subject matter and depictions of women were problematic. The artist seemed to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and objectification, which made it difficult for me to fully embrace or enjoy the exhibition. However, I will give credit where it's due and acknowledge the artist's talent, even if the content left much to be desired.
4. Michael - 2/5 - I have mixed feelings about "The Love Witch Paintings." On one hand, I found the use of color and texture to be quite impressive, and there were a few pieces that caught my eye. However, the repetitive themes and lack of variety became tiresome after a while. It felt like I was seeing the same concept over and over again, and it didn't offer anything new or thought-provoking. I left the exhibition feeling underwhelmed and uninspired.