The Summer of Decaying Frogs and Melting Popsicles

The Summer of Decaying Frogs and Melting Popsicles, 2024, is 24 in. x 36 in., oil on canvas. The piece is an ode to the summer of 2024, highlighting themes and thoughts that have followed Avnet for the past couple of months. The relaxing pool reflection background is intercepted by two separate paintings within the work. The painting on the bottom left represents one of the multiple deceased frogs Avnet saw at her family’s home in Pennsylvania over the summer. After researching animal symbolism, Avnet found that dead frogs are an indication of wasted potential, a need to reflect, and be open to change. Avnet took this as her chance to contemplate her own life, which had various transitions and changes in 2023-24. The painting on the top right is seemingly joyful, bright popsicles on a beach day. Yet, when the viewer takes a closer look— the popsicles are melting fast, bleeding onto the sand. Avnet wants the viewers to take in the details of The Summer of Decaying Frogs and Melting Popsicles, which indicate a darker truth that the bright palette contrasts. The truth in change being scary, and not always seemingly beneficial at the start—and then the melting of the popsicles—the fear of running out of time. Avnet often asks herself, “am I doing enough?” and “am I running out of time?” These constant questions resulted in Avnet creating The Summer of Decaying Frogs and Melting Popsicles.