Happy New Year! It is that great time of year… when all the craziness of the holidays is over and it is time to reflect upon the past year. It is time to take a quiet moment and decide how to proceed into the new year. I seem to be bounding in to 2010 with my usual reckless abandon. I have taken on a lot of new opportunities. First and foremost on my mind is my solo show at the Hayley Gallery in New Albany, OH on January 31st. This gallery (and the owner, Hayley Savage) has been judged “Best of Columbus,” and it really shows. The gallery itself is a beautiful space filled with an eclectic mix of regional art. My show, “The Heart of a Woman,” being pre-Valentine’s Day, is filled with romantic imagery as well as imagery representing traditional female roles. I have borrowed some perceptions of women from Klimt, (not known for his kind treatment of women), Matisse and Lichtenstein. I always think that history is a good place to start with any new endeavor and these historical references mark the beginning of my process for this show. Also included are several still life pieces with white tablecloths and chandeliers, my grandmother’s teacups…and flowers. One canvas entitled “Faith” shows 5 boxes stacked together and in them are images of flowers and birds and kites. No matter how dark things are, there is always the hope of spring. Also included is “Survivor Dance”, 3 rows of paper dolls that look like they are dancing. The paper dolls represent how fragile life can be and also the support of women for each other. If one of the dolls in the chain is “broken” (as with breast cancer) the others fall too. However, when they all support each other miracles (survivors) happen. This one was inspired by my friend Sara. I have explored a couple of new techniques in the process of getting the 30-40 canvases ready for this show. “Angel” is a mosaic technique with the same approach used in Renaissance times. Hundreds of really tiny pieces of fabric are evident and it gives an interesting look. “Peace” is meant to simulate a stained glass window with a dove in the center. I enjoyed these new techniques and will continue to use them.I also introduced women’s imagery to my process. I like the combination of graphic imagery, pattern and texture.
With this show, my hope is that in this age of political correctness, where I fear everything is becoming too generic, the more traditional view of a woman’s life is still celebrated.
