The Graffiti Artist

As some of you may already know, Lily wrote each of our names on the seats and/or backs of our dining room chairs so we "would know where to sit." With a black GREASE pen. One of the knitting ladies suggested that I take a picture of them for posterity, because it is kind of funny in that "if only I didn't have to reupholster" way.

I took a picture of the one that said "Mama." Unfortunately, the writing has been washed and worn down a bit so it's hard to see (but not enough to avoid reupholstering):



Taking that picture gave me an idea of documenting her various graffiti efforts around the house. So, here is a gallery of her recent work. You will notice several recurring themes. The asterisk is popular, as is the repeated writing of her own name.

Angry Graffiti



In this piece, Lily was exploring her frustration with me after I sent her to her room. As you can see, she put her name in a box with a heart to show that she is good, and crossed my name out to show that I am bad. Crayon on painted plaster wall.

The Gatekeepers



In this piece, Lily has identified the people who are allowed to move the baby gate. They include Mama, Papa and Lily. Jack's name is notably missing from this work. Black pen on wooden gate frame.

Ownership I



This unfinished work explores the ownership of various items around the home. Lily wanted to show the world that Mama owns the lamp. but was caught midway through the piece. The blurring is a result of Jim's failed attempt to erase the magic marker and salvage what was a very expensive Pottery Barn Lamp. Marker on fabric lamp shade.

Ownership II



This companion piece to Ownership I shows that Lily owns the box formerly containing scented drawer paper. This piece was created prior to Ownership I, but was only discovered afterwards, thus explaining its out-of-sequence title. Marker on cardboard box.

Doorway



What a treat! This is a vintage piece, drawn at a time when Lily still confused the order of the letters in her name. Many scholars have attempted to interpret the meaning of the red symbol with little success. Marker on wooden door.

Art and Television



In this piece, Lily attempts to contrast the beauty and symbolism of art against the capitalism and consumerism of television. Or, she's just trying to make the TV look pretty. Marker and crayon on plastic TV case and glass screen.

It's My House



This sentimental piece shows how Lily thinks her home, symbolized by the doll house, is a beautiful place to be. Or, she just wanted to make the doll house look pretty. Crayon on painted plywood house.

Asterisk



A large, stark image of one of Lily's favorite symbols. Magic marker on pine panelling.


Happiness



The title says it all. Magic marker on painted wood door frame.