Mother Trees are the tallest, strongest, oldest trees in any forest. They protect and feed young saplings that grow around them; in fact, as social beings, they prioritize their own seedlings over others, providing them with nutrients and protection.
My current work overlays the idea of the Mother Tree with vintage portraits of women, illustrating our deep connection with nature, and highlighting the work “mothers” do to connect and create ecosystems within our world.
I chose black and white images to show the dichotomy of quintessential “women’s work” with the lack of appreciation we receive. Women, as with Mother Trees, are the providers and protectors in the survival of planet. Yet often we fade into the background, as nameless photographs thrown in a bin, while under the surface we feed, we nurture, we strengthen and we encourage across generations.
This painting is one in my latest series that depict black and white photos of women; mothers, cousins, friends, lovers. I especially love the mix of the vintage feel of sepia mixed with fantastic and interpretive color, and the representation of the rising sun connecting the subject with the beauty and strength of nature all around her.
This piece is currently for sale at Essex Art Center's Salon and Show. Out of the 100+ pieces selected for the EAC Salon and Show, a small number were chosen for an outdoor installation at Stevens-Coolidge House in North Andover.
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