Krimmie Wayne in ‘The Searchers’ 2013

Felice House’s painting of ‘Krimmie Wayne in ‘The Searchers’ conjures the American West through the iconic figure of a blonde cowgirl. With her hand near her pistol, she stares purposefully into the distance, evoking not only the archetype of the Western hero, but also the theme of relentless pursuit. The motif of the ‘search’ echoes through time, recalling ancient myths of quests for knowledge, love, or redemption. The sun, blazing in the background, is reminiscent of the ‘Invocation of Light’ found in classical and Renaissance art. The sun symbolizes enlightenment and clarity, but here, the intense, almost overwhelming light might also represent the harsh realities and moral ambiguities inherent in the search itself. Consider, too, the psychological weight of the quest. The cowgirl's focused gaze and the tension in her posture reflect a deep, subconscious drive. Just as heroes of old were compelled by fate, she seems driven by an internal force, an unconscious imperative. This image becomes a powerful symbol of human determination and the cyclical nature of seeking.