@ur-cute-so-i @a-most-beloved-fool @zirconpetals
Thank you for giving me an excuse to geek out about my works.๐
Candles๐ฏ๏ธ๐ฏ๏ธ๐ฏ๏ธ: I wanted the candles to symbolize either the energy each character burns or their lifespans, as perceived by the subject of the portrait. Kirkโs own candle is the shortest, which could be interpreted as a reflection of his constant energy expenditure as a captain, or his acceptance of an early death in the line of duty.
โ Kirk envisions Spock with a longer lifespan, attributing it to his superior intellect and calculated energy use. As such, Spockโs candle is the longest. It also features two wax drips, symbolizing the only emotional or energetic expenditure Spock makes are from the two men he serves with: Kirk and Dr. McCoy.
โ McCoyโs candle falls in the middle with its height. Kirk sees him as someone who takes care of himself, but also expends considerable energy caring for others. To Kirk, McCoy will likely live an average lifespan.
The Candlesticks๐: In Kirkโs painting, the height of each candlestick represents rank. Each one is adorned with symbols unique to the character it represents: a hospital cross for McCoy, pointed ears for Spock, and a captainโs star for Kirk himself. He believes that each person is unique enough to deserve their own candlestick, an individual tribute to their identity and role.
Books๐: Kirkโs books lie open, suggesting a mind that leaps from subject to subject, eager to absorb as much knowledge as possible. In his hand, he reads Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley. I believe itโs a fitting choice for him, not only because Kirk holds a deep respect for women, but also because Shelley is widely considered the first science fiction writer.
Clothing๐: Symbolically, the cravat can be seen as a nod to naval or aristocratic context, aligning with Kirkโs role as a starship captain. The olive-green and gold clothing nods subtly to Starfleet's uniform color-coding, where green or gold often represents command. The gold Starfleet insignia, a deliberate anachronism, to the Star Trek universe.
The Rose๐น: Held delicately in his right hand, the red rose symbolizes love, passion, and sacrifice. In Romantic art, a rose often represents idealism or a deep emotional truth. For Kirk, this may reflect his empathy, longing, or sense of beauty, often hidden beneath his command persona.
Curtains and the Tableclothโจ: Symbolically, curtains can represent the boundary between public faces and private self. Both the curtains and tablecloth are hung messily. They reflect neglect in his intimate space, as he is choosing to put his attention towards other things and not take care of himself.
Candles๐ฏ๏ธ๐ฏ๏ธ๐ฏ๏ธ: Spockโs candles are all equally burned because from Spockโs viewpoint you cannot predict or judge how long a person will live, nor how much energy they burn. They are not important concepts to him, which is why the candles are pushed back.
The Candlesticks๐: Spockโs candlesticks all match and none of them are longer or shorter than the others, however he has placed them in a hierarchical manner on the books, indicating that there is a ranking system.
Books๐: Spockโs books on his table are closed, suggesting he has completed reading them. On top is an ink well for his pen. In his hands he has the book Astronomy by Revelation, and a feathered pen. As he copies new notes into the margins, his hand is raised in a pausing motion as if he is considering what he is to write next. He is not merely annotating in a book, but contributing to a lineage of seekers who look at the stars and ask not only how, but why.
Clothing๐: Spockโs cravat is slightly shorter than Kirkโs but still holds the importance of his position in aristocratic society. His coat is blue, a reflection of his Starfleet uniform, but his inner vest is gold, referencing his link to Kirk and how he keeps the idea of Kirk close to his heart. Both articles of clothing are connected with the Vulcan IDIC medallion which represents the Vulcan belief that beauty, growth, and progress all stem from the joining of different elements.
Curtains and the Tableclothโจ: Spockโs curtains are pushed far to the side of the canvas, they are not open to the viewer. Whatever is hidden will remain that way. His table cloth is completely covering his table, however it is scrunched in a fashion that suggests he gets up multiple times to pace or retrieve another book and then returns to sit.
Doctor McCoyโs portrait:
Candles๐ฏ๏ธ๐ฏ๏ธ๐ฏ๏ธ: McCoys candles are all equally tall and all equally burned because he believes that in his care, Kirkโs and Spockโs lifetimes and their energy usage will be well maintained and long.
The Candlesticks๐: McCoy has a candelabra. While each candle has a prong, they are all ultimately connected by one base representing their unity as a team. Only one central candle is slightly higher than the rest, showing that McCoy understands rank, but doesnโt view anyoneโs health more important than others.
Books๐: McCoy only has one book. This is to show that he is more hands on and practical. Someone who trusts his gut and the wisdom forged through practice over pure theory. It is open to the beginning. The book's title states Anatomy, A Regional Atlas of the Human Body and Muscle Structure and yet there is a skull on the front. The skull underscores the inevitability of death, no matter how much one studies.
Clothing๐: The dark, somber background is lacking of ornamentation and represents the uncertainties of medicine and mortality. In striking contrast, Dr. McCoyโs light, warm-toned clothing casts him as a beacon of life, underscoring his identity as a healer. His attire includes a signet ring and a subtle lapel pin, nodding to the Starfleet insignia. Unlike a seated scholar lost in thought, McCoy stands, leaning against the table with one hip, a pose that reflects his nature as a man who is always ready to step in and do the work rather than sit in observation and passivity.
Curtains and the tableclothโจ: The lack of curtains in the background suggests transparency; there is nothing hidden, no illusion, just honesty and purpose. True to his own words, McCoy is simply and steadfastly โa country doctor,โ illuminated by his compassion and conviction. The tablecloth is clean and ready to be used at any moment.
The skull on the table๐: The skull is facing Doctor McCoy, and as a doctor he is constantly facing the line between life and death. The skull reminds us the viewer (and him) of the ultimate limits of medicine.
