Scaffold (in progress)

This is the piece I am currently working on. On an extended subway trip in Washington, D.C. this summer, I saw a mother holding her baby. Watching her keep the baby safe and occupied made me see her as a scaffold for the building of this small person.

The Ruby Tree

For IF: What is we pretend that tree wear shoes?

This drawing was done with graphite on coquille paper. One of my themes involves blending human elements with the plant world. In this drawing, the human element has been reduced to a pair of shoes with trees growing out of them.

The Fitting Room

I saw a performance of the Guerilla Girls last spring. One of them was named Julia Child. This is her portrait.
For me, this drawing illustrates the concept of the monstrous feminine, which examines the primal power of women. For this reason, I am posting it for Illustration Friday's topic for the week, which is "Primitive".

Administrative Oni

Oni are figures from Japanese folk literature and are like ogres in Western stories. There are some administrators who would eat tender victims rather than compromise their bottom line. This is a picture of how I imagine them.

The Tipping Point

According to Merriam Webster, clique ca mean a group of persons with a common goal or interest, so I am entering this painting for Illustration Friday's challenge of the week.

I read a lot of Japanese Fairy Tales (because of my study of anime). I'm interested in the lessons concerning tolerance and balance within nature and culture that the stories have to offer. This painting, called The Tipping Point, is about the search for balance.

The Annunciation

Since Island can mean isolation, I am posting this painting for Illustration Friday's prompt. The girl in this picture is alone in her own world, but the nature spirits in the back are about to lead her out of that sheltered existence. The nature spirits were inspired by Charles DeLint's Crow Girls.

Labyrinth

For IF: Hiding behind layers of leaves, layers of masks....

This is not a self-portrait, but it is close. Sometimes I am an invisible woman. This is a portrait of her.