A Portrait of an American Woman-Pam Whidden

This is a transcript from the introduction given by Stephanie Goldman before an audience of nearly 300 friends, acquaintances and connoisseurs at the Athenaeum Art School, Park Blvd. Studio on December 7, 2008.

People have seen her sketched, painted, and sculpted, countless times, in all manner of costume and poses. She’s been a large part of the art community for over 30 years, working as an artist assistant and model, as well as actively training and placing models in classes and groups, privately and publicly, throughout San Diego.

I commissioned myself to paint this portrait just over a year ago, having envisioned the idea 15 years earlier. After talking it over with Pam, we carefully selected what of hers would be included. Each item we’ve chosen has a story and reveals a little known side of her as a person.

Aristotle said, "The aim of Art is to present not the outward appearance of things, but their INNER significance; for this, not the external manner and detail, constitutes TRUE reality." I have sought to stay true to this classical idea of art in the creation of this painting.