Painting — Rowan Raskin

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Give Us a Spin, Miss Nancy

Charcoal, oil paint, glitter glue, fringe, and sequin trim on canvas,
64”x45”x1.75”
May 2024
I attended my first ever Annual Gay Rodeo in Laveen Arizona in February 2024; and this is where I watched “Miss Nancy” twirl in a beautiful gold fringed dress –right before hopping on the back of a bull! The lust for life the queer community has is heart wrenching, and inspiring. There is so much diversity, beauty, and shared pain to be found, but at the center of our community is love and compassion.

AGNUS DEI

Charcoal, acrylic, and oil paint on canvas
48”x32”x1.5”
May 2024
This piece is dedicated to Kitty Monroe, a Latine trans woman who was murdered on the first day of 2024 in my hometown of Phoenix, Arizona. This was not the first instance of violence perpetrated against her due to her gender identity and expression –but it was the last. There are currently 658 anti-trans bills that seek to block trans people from receiving basic healthcare, education, legal recognition, and the right to publicly exist. This is the reality of America –”land of the free”.

This painting acts as a reminder to not look away from the brutality and ugliness happening to members of our community. See the pain, see the beauty –feel how uncomfortable it is to have the line be blurred between the two, and whatever happens; please don’t look the other way.
A quarter of all proceeds made from any sale of this image (painting or otherwise) will be donated to One N Ten, an incredible organization that works to support LGBTQ+ youth throughout Arizona

Ace of ♠’s

Mixed media on canvas
24”x17”x1”
October 2024

This piece acts as a companion to the painting 7 of Hearts, found in my portfolio sample. With this series of "playing card" paintings, I am fabricating and recreating the mythologies and stories of our queer ancestors that are largely missing from our societal understanding of "The Wild West".

7 of ❤’s

Mixed media on a reclaimed canvas
24”x17”x1”
March 2024

Two months ago a fire destroyed a beautiful old home in my neighborhood. A few days later, outside of the house’s charred remains, I discovered this burnt canvas showcasing the 7 of hearts. This abandoned “lucky card” tugged at my heartstrings and seemed to almost scream at me to tell its story.
WATCH THE PROCESS OF MAKING THIS PAINTING

All American Bottom

Charcoal, acrylic and oil paint with hemp rope and fringe on canvas
20”x16”x.5"
2024

The handkerchief code (also known as the hanky code) is the wearing of various colored bandanas and was common in the mid- and late-nineteenth century among cowboys and other laborers in the Western United States.
This system is color-coded and has been historically used by gay men, but is now used commonly by the larger queer and BDSM communities to covertly communicate sexual proclivities.
This cowboy is getting ready to saddle up and ride... (Now whether he's riding a bull, a bear, or a stud is no one's business but theirs). Ride'em cowboy!

We all Come to Rest in God's Hands

Oil paint on canvas
34”x28x1.5”
2024

A quarter of all proceeds from any sale of this painting/prints of this image will be donated to Oklahoman’s for Equality.
Queer bodies exist as the roadkill of our society.

I find kinship in the beauty and the horror of rotting animals. Just like our act of living as transgender beings is treated with horror, disgust, and violence, I find solace in the immutable truth that we all come to rest in the cradle of the earth’s crust. We all turn to rot. And we all are immeasurably more beautiful for it.

I never had the honor or privilege of knowing Nex Benedict –and now I never will. This painting is a reminder to not look away from the brutality and ugliness happening all around us. We all are human, and we all deserve the chance to grow and discover ourselves. My heart goes out to all of Nex’s family and friends.
Special thanks to Orion Reager, brother of my heart, for allowing me to paint your beautiful photograph.
I love you!

Hanky Panky

Charcoal, acrylic and oil on canvas
20"x16"x.5"
2024
This matched set of cowboys are flagging their preferences (with plenty of pride) for the whole world to see. Let's leave them to their hanky panky, shall we?

FAGDYKE

Charcoal, acrylic and oil on canvas
9"x12"x.5"
September 2024
I discovered this poor soul freshly crushed to death in the mouth of a Dunkin' drive-through after leaving Dyke Descent in Allston, MA on 09/10/24. I said a blessing over its poor form, and gave thanks for the reminder of how precious life is, (alive or dead).
I give thanks for being born a fag, I give thanks for being called a dyke, and most of all; I give thanks for being alive to bear witness to it all.

There are Twice as Many Stars as Usual

Oil paint and hemp rope on canvas
36”x42”2”
2024
Inspired by the poem “The Two Headed Calf” written by Laura Gilpin:
“Tomorrow when the farm boys find this
freak of nature, they will wrap his body
in newspaper and carry him to the museum.

But tonight he is alive and in the north
field with his mother. It is a perfect
summer evening: the moon rising over
the orchard, the wind in the grass. And
as he stares into the sky, there are
twice as many stars as usual.”

ANYTHING ANYTIME

Oil paint and fringe on canvas
20”x16”
2024
Inspired by the 38th Annual Gay Rodeo held in Levine, Arizona (and inspired by the fact that the hanky code is alive and well!)
Though it has been hidden from mainstream media, cowboy history is synonymous with queer history. Cowboys lived on the fringes of society, and as such had more freedom to express themselves and live true to who they were.
Just like this cowboy's hanky claims, he's ready for Anything, Anytime.

I Walk the line

Charcoal, acrylic and oil paint on canvas
20”x16”x.5"
2024

Devil Don't You Fool Me

Charcoal, oil paint and hemp rope on canvas
20.5”x16.5”
2024

Queen of the Rodeo

Charcoal, oil paint and fringe on canvas
12”x9” (sans fringe)
2024
“Racin' down the road that I've been before
I've seen rattlesnakes behind every door
I've been around this world and it's rotten to the core
Yeah, I don't know that much, but I know about keepin' score
I got a face of gold, I got a heart of coal
But baby, that's my cross to bear
I won't take you back”
-Orville Peck

I'm that girl

12"x9"x.5"
Charcoal, acrylic and oil paint, and oil bar on canvas with gold foil
"It's not the diamonds
It's not the pearls
I'm that girl (I'm that girl)"
-Beyoncé

I'm That Girl

Charcoal, acrylic and oil paint on canvas with sequin trim
12”x9”
2024
“You called me a dumb blonde
Ah, but somehow I lived through it
And you know if there's one thing this blonde has learned
Blondes have more fun”
-Dolly Parton

A Warm Summer's Eve in Friends' Arms

Spackle and Oil Paint on canvas
48”x38”x1.5”
The wind whistles through canyons and the sound of laughter carries far. The rock face, warmed from the sun; shines red, orange, and yellow in the starlight. "We have you, We have you," They call. "We'll never let you fall" (is unspoken). Tell me, how could I ever be afraid, when in my friends arms?
This piece is dedicated to my dear friend (and beautiful muse) Kimberly Nguyen.

The Big Softie

oil on canvas
34”x28”
NFS
A gift for Tiffany, Dave’s daughter
Oh Captain! My Captain! Dave departed this world in October 2023. He battled with PTSD and lifelong addictions. It is not his struggles we remember, but his life and love. We remember days in the sun full of pirate tales (and pirate swagger). Despite his rough exterior, in our hearts he will always be, "The Big Softie".
Special thanks to Spike, Dave’s son, for finding the perfect name for this painting.

Of Childhood Spells and Secrets

Airdry clay, fake fur, child’s toy, and oil paint on canvas
22.5”x14”x1.5”
2023

Come on Home, Mama

oil on canvas
9”x12”
2023

There are Snakes in the Sand

oil on canvas
42”x36”
2023
I sink into the warm sand, just as my cold-blooded brethren do.
As the wind caresses the dry brush,
The breeze sings to me, “Stay awhile, Stay Mine, Stay Forever”
And so I wait and listen.
I wait, and wait, and wait
While the Sun rises high in the sky and scorches my pocked skin, my parched lips.
I wait (but not alone –never alone)
Until at last I hear the answer.
(We are One.)
Do you hear the whispers as they slither by?
They tell me softly, “step carefully, my darling”
Afterall,
There are Snakes in the Sand.

Eye-Shine

Oil and wax on canvas
48”x72”
2023

Hold Me Close

oil on canvas
18”x14”
2023
Hold Me Close, but do not trespass; they whisper through the grass.
Negotiate the boundaries of our hearts,
and deconstruct the fences around our souls.
You and Me, (as all must be)
Are ever changing with the passing days, with the falling rains, and the setting sun.
Eternally individual, but unfailingly entangled.

So Please, Hold Me Close

Asylum

oil on canvas
38”x38”
2023

The Devil is in the Details

oil on canvas
38”x38”
2023

פֿייגעלע‎

oil on canvas
12”x 12”
2023
“Feygele”
A Yiddish term of endearment used by Jewish Mothers that literally translates to “little bird”. Feygele is also used as a slur against queer individuals (similar to faggot).
(You are safe in my hands, little bird)

It's Your Blood on My Hands (It's My Blood on Yours)

oil on canvas
44”x60”x`1.5”
2023
Growing up is messy
(My Mama always told me so)
We can’t help but hurt each other, like feral animals lashing out in fear.
(Lashing out with love)
Hand in Hand we built our home,
(Together we watch it burn)
Smoke, and maybe Someone New, rises from the ashes.
Blood begets blood

So please take my hand, Mama
Even though it hurts,
Even if you can’t bear to look,
–Please take my hand,
For I surely don’t want to be alone

Together, We learn how to love.
Together, We learn to hate.
Today, We will lick each other’s wounds;
Tomorrow
It’ll be Your Blood on My Hands
(It’ll be My Blood on Yours).

TRAPPED

oil on canvas
24” x 24”
2023
NFS
I am the Caged Hare (You built the cage)
Kill me already and claim your spoils of war
Were you not the one who told me that all is fair in Love and War?
I am here
At the temple of my soul, (trapped in your gilded cage)
I hate you (I’m lying)
I love you (I’m lying)
I cannot bear to let us go (I’m lying)
If only I were braver
–Then maybe I could escape (You)

Keep the Home Fires Burning

oil on canvas
48”x60”
2023
Together, We watch the home we built,
I gave you my heart, but you wanted my soul
I gave you all I had
You used me and left it all to burn.
All we can do now
Is to
Keep the Home Fires Burning

Mourning Dove with Flowers

oil on canvas
11”x14”
2023
SOLD

Reflections

oil on canvas
NFS
11”x14”
2023
Art Trade with Zooey Kim Conner / @zooeykimc

Leave me to rot

oil on canvas
11”x14”
2023

Ram Study

oil on canvas
18”x24”
2023

Last Born Son

Oil and gilt on canvas
42”x54”
2023
Inspired by the artist's childhood exploring the Sonoran Desert, Last Born Son examines the formative landscapes in our lives. We are all the products of our upbringing; our contexts define us and shape the people we become. The self portrait of the artist stares back at the viewer, a calm and steady presence, as immovable and constant as the gilt sun stretching across the canvas.