The Feminine Divine
“Mother of All Life 1 and 2 ”
8"x 10" 2005
Polymer clay, paper, beads, and metal leaf
(sold)
This is the first in a series in which I explore the relationship between the “Goddess” and the “Tree”. As givers and nurturers of life, I have transposed my interpretation of the “Tree Of Life”, symbol of all giving, over the Divine Earth Mother, symbol of all nurturing, whose arms extend a protective cape over her Creation.
“Mother of All Nations”
8"x10" 2005
Polymer clay, paper, beads, and metal leaf
(sold)
The second half of the twentieth century saw similar apparitions of the “Virgin Mary” in Holland and Japan. In these visions, she refers to herself as the “Mother of All Nations” and appears standing on a globe with snow falling all around her. She warns of the spiritual state of the World and that of individual nations.
I have reinterpreted the role of the “Mother of All Nations” as the Universal “Earth Mother”, holding or perhaps offering “the fruit of her womb”, to the moon and the stars.
“The Three Eves ”
11"x14" 2005
Polymer clay, paper, beads, and metal leaf
This composition juxtaposes the three natures of femininity. Eve, the mother of all mankind, the Madonna of Humility, compassion personified and the Goddess , la Madonna della
Misericordia.
The “Madonna of Humility” refers to a representation of the Virgin that appeared in the 14th century depicting her dual role of both Earthly Mother and Queen of Heaven. She is seated on the ground, affectionately holding her child,, not unlike Quan Yin, an image of ultimate compassion.
La Madonna della Misericordia, (Mary with the Enveloping Mantle), appeared in Venetian art during the Middle Ages. Her cloak spreading from outstretched arms promises the warmth and protection of the Queen of Heaven.
“The Vessel of Hope”
11"x14" 2005
Polymer clay, paper, beads, and metal leaf
(sold)
The idea for this piece came from thoughts of the dangers of placing your hopes in a leaky vessel, whether it be human or ideological.
And how, hope can still take flight and survive.
“Mother of Loving Kindness”
11"x26" 2005
Polymer clay, paper, beads, and metal leaf
(sold)
This piece is based on “The Virgin Eleousa of Kykkos” by the 17th Century Russian painter, Simon
Ushakov. The “Eleousa” is a type of Marion Icon where the faces of the Mother and Child are affectionately touching each other. In the Western world “Eleousa” is known as the Virgin of Loving Kindness, and in the Eastern as merciful and affectionate tenderness.
I have changed the face of the Christ Child with that of the Buddha Child because of my interest in blending the symbolism of both teachings and the hope of recognizing the single the universal message they convey.