2000-
Herstories Volume I
Each person we encounter is a unique mapping of qualities and energies that are invisible to the naked eye. Often, we seem to react to each other based on skin-to-skin appraisals or other superficialities. Yet, some part of us intuits the presence of much, much more.
Herstories, Volumes I & II are an ongoing series of mixed media paintings exploring the face as a mask and the tattoo as the indelible mark, shield and sacrifice. Volume II explores the elderly face as an icon to the immemorial history of gender and culture.
The subjects are women I have photographed. Their faces are tattooed with images relating to each woman’s life and something beyond, mythic and archetypal. The markings include ancient characters, symbols and maps that emerge as cryptic images.
This body of work is layered with many skins of collaged paper, drawings, paint and bits of fabric. The skins transform the mask into the portrait and bring surface and depth together as one.
My goal is to create compelling images that bring full attention to the subjectivity of perception. The viewer confronts an image textured with character and history. In the end they “face” their own perceptions.
Herstories Volume II
