Mercedes McDonald Portfolio Artist Statement Rosebud Green Cup / Vessels Art history is rich with the tradition of pictography, using images to tell a story. In my current works of large pastel paintings on sandpaper, I am interested in telling a story with single images. For instance, a teacup is an icon which embodies the essence of the feminine spirit. It brings to mind a strong tradition of female ceremony. The teacup is a vessel as is the female body. What happens when single images are placed next to one another? Does a specific combination of images change the meaning of the objects? My intention is to explore the emotional content of single objects and to then juxtapose these images with others.