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(c) 2019
18x20” Each, Acrylic and Oil on Birch Panel, Unframed (All Originals Sold)
“Prime” is a 4 piece series that explores the themes that have developed for me in what I consider to be the “Prime” of my life (so far). As a woman in her thirties, I am encountering existentialism, maternal urges, emotional abundance, and a strong moral compass. In the paintings, I illustrate each of these themes as “natural phenomenons” with titles and imagery that honor the occurrences as beautiful, fascinating, and simply natural.
(image 1) Maternal Equinox” is a frozen moment in time, acknowledging the turning point in a woman’s life when she realizes that she wants to be a mother. This unexplainable physical yearning to bare and hold a living thing which, once realized, we begin to see everywhere. All life begins to seem so precious, innocent, and deserving of nurture and it encompasses us in an almost startling way. It is beautiful but also confusing. We anticipate the loss of our independence and recognize that there will be a true difference in the “season” before and after, should we choose and/or be blessed with motherhood.
(image 2) “Moral Reign” is the power of mature, responsible decision making. After three decades of learning from experiences, it feels as if we are finally in the “clear” of personal sabotage. Having once seen the act of making healthy choices as boring or tedious, we now reap the rewards in the form of health, calmness, and slow but steady growth. The red string in her hair symbolizes a conscience and the spikes in her crown serve as boundaries that protect the serenity she has built. A bird has gravitated to her freely and perched on her hand because it trusts her aura and instincts. She and her surroundings are both light in color and spirit, reflecting the effortlessness in maintaining this kingdom now that it has been built.
(image 3) “Emotional Decadence” is the indulgent experience of emotional sensitivity. Awakening to the idea that, instead of a burden or a weakness, an abundance of emotions is a sensory luxury and a beautiful part of the human journey. Here, we are in a deep and dark space but adorned by a crown of botanicals that reflect the humbling truth of life and that, just like emotions, it is fluid and fleeting. She is naked, vulnerable, but unafraid and catches streams of gold instead of tears. Her fingernails are red to symbolize the presence in her experience. She needs no consoling, this and every moment is a gift.
(image 4) “Existential Supernova” is the booming notion that nothing matters. What is my purpose? What am I doing here? Why…anything? And these questions, seemingly so big and unexplainable, paralyze us. The red in her lips is a symbol of “communication” and the desire to connect about the topic, but ironically, no conversation is had. Rather, she wears her experience - a robe of earthly reminders for grounding by way of nature and tattoos that read “Nothing”,