Eyeing Medusa series
Click on images for the stories behind each work
Eyeing Medusa celebrates visionary women of all ages, orientations, cultures and walks of life making a difference in our world today. Each painting’s title and story parallels a legendary heroine with a contemporary woman. By fusing the past with the present, I invite viewers to look at women in a new light, as a means to illuminate and address urgent contemporary social issues.
I paint faces, recognizable yet abstracted, closeup so the viewer can look into their eyes without distractions and feel what remarkable people they are. In this way, I challenge traditional representations of women in art which normalize objectification and violence against women. Through dialogue, reflection and the power of art, I aim to inspire, provoke change, dismantle harmful narratives, and contribute to a more equitable society.
Eyeing Medusa is named for the archetypal wronged-woman of Greek mythology. Torn from her spiritual path, raped, blamed, banished and ultimately beheaded, Medusa’s story echoes that of countless women throughout history. While her monstrous rage and debilitating grief petrifies all who look upon her, viewing Medusa is possible via a mirror. Eyeing this ancient wild/wise woman requires facing our own fears, culpability and difficult questions— so that we may recognize and stop perpetuating unhealthy beliefs and behaviours. Ultimately I believe that Eyeing Medusa can shift perspectives and change historically toxic narratives by focusing on respect, empowerment and self-actualization.
Postcards
5 x 7 inches, velvet touch, heavy stock art cards
