Linda Louis’s series ’EARTHKINS - People of the World’ and her story were chosen as an NEA (National Endowment for the Arts) Featured Artist for their 50th Anniversary celebration.

EARTHKINS - People of the World

THE FACES, smiling, belie their deep wistfulness; one openly beams, another has a shy secret. The eyes appear happy but their souls are locked away. They crave attention whoever they are; white, tan, brown, black, yellow. Earthkins in groups of 25, 16, 9, 8, 4 or 2, and some are singles, represent the diverse peoples of the earth.

A Virtual View - Click to enlarge.

THE INSPIRATION for Earthkins comes from the artist's life-long introspection and study into how emotions are conveyed and the intense impact of even subtle variations. The Earthkins Series follows a long succession of Linda Louis’s work based on the subject of faces including noteworthy oils canvases, wax and pigment paintings, full color and black and white drawings.

GROWING UP, the artist spent endless hours in featureless, whitewashed waiting rooms often the only 'normal' child among others; a childhood spent among children who perpetually longed to play, their expressions full of courageous cheer, especially the one who was the focus of her parents’ life-long devotion, hopes and resources.

While basic human necessities are food, clothing and shelter, underlying needs are every bit as essential. Just as the children in the artist's past shared common unfulfilled desires, Earthkins represent the humble questing human who yearns for love, freedom, respect and hope.

THE EARTHKINS SERIES follows a fixed theme: A sculpted face, in relief on a one inch platform, 6" sq. As the work takes shape it acquires unique features and emotional expression. Each Earthkin has a distinct personality. Each smiles in its individual way, conveying underlying vulnerability and a desire to be deemed special. Earthkins are neither male nor female, adult nor child. They have no specific ethnicity. Every face radiates its own individuality, imparting the gift of a small surprise. Each tries its best to catch your eye.

EARTHKINS ARE REMINISCENT of treasured playthings of long ago, i.e. doll heads made of china, carved wood, cloth or clay.

THE ARTIST SAYS: "One of the special delights for me it is when the work begins to take on a life of its own, in some sense similar to the shock and delight Geppetto experienced when Pinocchio became a real boy."