Stories to be told at bedtime
This series of paintings were made as the stories’ images came to mind or in response to conversations with my partner and friends. It felt like these particular stories were important and I wanted, maybe needed, to paint them to explore and understand their significance further.
My Mongolian Hat Acrylic on Canvas 48” X 48” 2024 I had purchased my Mongolian hat directly from the artisan in Cornwall, UK. I was immediately overcome with this sense of joy when I tried the hat on. Later I realized that the hat reminded me of my grandma. Growing up my grandparents wouldn't talk about their past and so we decided that grandma was Mongolian based on her dark complexion and the shape of her eyes. I made this painting remembering my grandma and the joy she expressed at the simple things in life. The yellow finches came in when I had asked for a sign from my deceased father. This painting is for my Dad and his mom.
Santa Anna, She's the key holder Mixed media on cradled panel 48” x 48” 2024 Santa Anna is the visual representation of a dream I had when undergoing Jungian therapy. All the creatures, and Santa Anna herself, represent different parts of me. Santa Anna is the case manager, the one with good solid boundaries discerning who gets access to the boarding home tenants. The tenants are the parts of me that are vulnerable and need protection and a voice. The intellectual, the passionate and the shy frightened chick. The rooms are decorated to support who they are and they are not in them because I have painted, exposed the house and they are feeling insecure. The “island wolf”, the name of my dad’s toyota truck is the getaway vehicle, should a quick escape be required. Santa Anna, a reference to those warm strong and fierce winds, holds the key to the basement where the big scarey things reside. She can be trusted to keep it locked until we are ready to explore those darkest emotions/memories.
Time To Leave Mixed media on canvas 34” X 32” 2024 This piece marks that time when you know in your heart that you don't belong here anymore. You know that you have to leave and find yourself, your worth, your path in the world. The black sheep stands alone facing away from her white sheep family, the religion, the danger that she lived with and the resultant impact. She stands with her guide, the black raven.
A liminal time Mixed media on canvas 34” X 32” 2024 The boy sits on the precipice of adolescence. A time when childhood things are left behind and there are so many new hurdles to navigate. He is uncertain, as he waits for what's to come. The boats carry his stories from the past and the flagship carries wisdom for the future. The river otter shows up as a spirit guide for support and courage.
This is Friendship Mixed media on canvas 44” X 59” 2024 Loyalty, joy and comradery are the ideas being expressed here. These are three artists who continue to support each other spiritually, emotionally and physically on their journeys of creativity and discovery.
Northern Stock Mixed media on canvas 48” X 48” 2024 We are a product of our experiences and culture. In this case his mugs, joined with marks and literally connecting the dots (mugs) are telling his story. Being far from home, having immigrated to a new country, he holds onto and carries his stories and his culture with a strong sense of pride.
There's been a death in the family Mixed media on cradled panel 34” X 32” 2024 I was sitting in my backyard looking up at the sky thinking about the idea of the dead sending signs to us as a form of remembrance and comfort. Later that same day, when talking to a friend on the phone, she shared that her dad, recently deceased, was sending dimes to her, her mom and brother. Later that year after her partner passed away he returned to her in the form of white feathers. I loved the idea of remembering and feeling less alone. The landscape and setting sun in the painting mark the ending of one chapter and the soon to be beginning of another and then the journey unfolding. The figures are naked to suggest the vulnerability and rawness of the emotions and the uncertainty of what comes next.
Rite of Words, Rite of Life Mixed media on cradled panel 48” X 48” 2024 Rite of Words, Rite of Life references the hangmans’ game. Historically, prisoners were given the rite to play a word game and avoid the noose. In this story wrong words led to the death of my relationship with my sister. The poisonous jimson weed wallpaper represents my sister's statement that I am poison to her. The owl is here as the one who sees danger even in the dark. I want to find more “owl”in my life to help avoid future failed relationships. Sphinx moths, who can safely feed on jimson weed, offer sustenance and strength for the owl. The image chosen of these particular sisters was compelling because although they look close, the conflict was there. They both hold Pandora's box and the hope that one day there will be a way forward for this relationship.
Click your heels three times Mixed media on cradled panel 48” X 48” 2024 My mom and her two friends are shown here on school grounds, before the shit that was to come. I give her those ruby slippers to give her an escape route, for when she is ready to find home, in the sense of safety and peace. The flying monkeys are the warning, the snake, seduction, baba yaga carries the bargains made to survive.