The Color of Women
The Color of Women body of work examines close relationships illustrated through expressiveness of conversational body language. In my process, I video tape women as they converse, then work from still images to create intimate portraits. I use direct watercolor painting with monotype printmaking for the portraiture and hand stitched paper collage for the clothing. Adding lace and other textures for the backgrounds, these techniques combine to make this work lusciously rich in feminine beauty. Additionally, the portraits are accompanied by audio clips of the women discussing what their relationship means to them.
The hand-stitching takes me back to my sewing roots. Growing up, my mother had a room full of wall-to-wall fabrics, and she taught me to sew at a very young age. When selecting papers and with the sewing I apply to each piece, I feel a strong connection to my mother The Color of Women reveals and celebrates the beautiful interactions that create bonds between women. My intent is for the viewer to reflect and appreciate the close relationships in their own lives.