So, WHAT'S Katie up to???

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Cheering the Goddess, #3

People were in a festive mood at the Opening.....

Sundance. One of the Goddess' iterations in various cultures has been through sun images. The sun is the source of life energy, and re-emerges in full force each spring & summer, signalling the season of new life, regeneration, and bounty. What better way to exude joy & energy than through dancing? Even the hair is dancing & radiating energy.

Sundance's floral images are created with very old wooden fabric stamps, originally from Pakistan & Uzbekistan, and purchased from 'junk' sellers in an out-of-the-way alley in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar.


Lifestream references the goddess through its principal water/stream image, and also in whorls & concentric circles in the background. Sincere apologies to Georgia O'Keefe!!

Bird Goddess. The goddess is often represented by a bird figure, especially the Ibis, or Stork. The Ibis is a wading bird, which evokes the water connection again. & of course we all know what the Stork/Ibis brings with it......

This piece captures that transitional/dual state between human and bird that is prevalent among god/goddess representations throughout history.

The Gift is rather like a sketch -- a little rough, and somewhat without detail. It captures the essence/feeling of the greatest gift, from its creation to its presentation to the world. The mother is able to communicate with her unborn child in a way no one else can.

I'm so pleased that this piece has found a home with the family of a beautiful new baby. He is their gift, and this work really spoke to them.

All for today.




Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Opening Reception, Jan 29

In a quiet moment, before the guests arrive, Michelle checks out Earth Mothers.

Iconic Patchwork is an interesting piece, in my usually quirky style, comprising tiles depicting various images of The Goddess figure from several different prehistoric and tribal cultures. The terracotta tiles are loosely connected with steel wire; and the 'quilt' hangs on a steel rod.

Gibsons Councillor, LeeAnn Johnson, graciously loaned me several books on Goddess history & iconography which taught me lots and inspired some of this work.

The images behind these guests (Timeless, and Blue Ribbon Hat) also appeared in my "Marking Time" exhibition at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre in 2010. They were the jumping-off point for my work on the Goddess theme.

Gallery volunteer, Michelle, was eager to have a photo of us together. As I look at the photo now, it seems appropriate that we 'mature' ladies were standing beside the elder lady in her new hat.

The Opening was a great success for me. I saw lots of old friends, and met many folks for the first time. I sold 2 pieces at the reception, with the promise of more sales to come. More pics to come a little later.