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Celeste (Self-Made) II
The angel in this painting is self made: her wings are strapped onto her back, created and put there herself. She represents the courageous woman, someone who has consciously chosen her own path. A glass globe resting in her lap signifies the heaven she has created for herself here on earth. The globe is at once strong and fragile. For the moment she is inspired and celebrating her success. Oil on canvas, 16" x 22".
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Freedom Dance II
Celebrating freedom is the theme of this work. Ironically, it was painted one month before 911. Openly celebrating personal freedom sometimes has its price. To not support a person's basic human right to life and liberty condones a collapse of humanity as a whole.
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I Cannot Fly How Can I Fly? II
On a challenging day, achieving a state of personal peace can seem almost impossible. This painting was begun on such a day. The figure is seated at the edge of a precipice. Below her is a vast and empty space, rising upward in the distance, a bird. She wishes she could fly and in her lap rests a bird's wing. But, how can she fly with that? Her body is as solid as the rocky ledge it rests on. And yet, the bird's wing resting in her lap casts a shadow of a bird's silhouette onto her human form, alluding to her inner potential. She sits, awaiting some revelation. We identify with her, striving to find some way, against all odds, to bring into reality our lofty ambitions. She is an expression of our humanness. Oil on canvas, 18" x 24".
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Soul (Self) II
We exist through our physicality, our thoughts and feelings, and our awareness. When these elements are functioning in a state of integrity and grace the result is a balanced and healthy human being. In many cultures there is a tendency to abandon or suppress one of these elements in favor of another. For example, our physicality is often suppressed in order to develop our spirituality. This either/or approach is often damaging and creates discord. Soul (Self) is a celebration of heart, mind and body in a state of grace. The fiery reds and oranges (passion) are balanced by a cool symphony of blues (peace). Her gaze speaks of an inner tranquility, in perfect balance with her true natur5e and all its complexity. Oil on canvas, 22" x 28".
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With These Hands II
The figure in this painting has allowed herself to be put behind an artificial boundary. The black bars of the chair symbolize the limits society has placed on women. Although many women today enjoy more freedom than ever before, often these limits still exist in our minds. Once rooted there as beliefs, for all intents and purposes these barriers become real and stop us from freely moving forward. With conscious choice and courage we are able as individuals to transcend these boundaries and express our true nature. This ability is symbolized by the figure's hands, which move freely outside the bars. With her hands, the subject will set herself free. This is the case with many artists especially. By exploring our true nature through creative self-expression, we whittle away at our cultural limitations and unlock our true potential. Oil on canvas, 18" x 24".