Content / Intent The pile of journals in my studio , the main source for my art content , are filled with years of sketches , dreams , poems and oh so many quotes from influential writers ; Joseph Campbell , who affirmed my belief in myths and our intertwined cultures ; Stanley Kunitz , who in such a compelling way , reminded us that in tending a garden , we are lead to an appreciation of and connection to the whole natural universe ; Kathe Kollwitz , Freida Kahlo , Georgia O ’ Keeffe and my extensive list of heroic women artists .
I have had an ongoing interest in the historical Demetrian ( Demeter : Greek fertility goddess of the harvest and corn ) role women have played as they embarked on their journey to restore nature , to harvest , gather and care for its beauty . Remembering my mother ’ s labor of love with her garden ‘ art ’ and teaching this respect for Mother Earth ’ s care and reverence for the earth ’ s Native Seeds — The Life Blood of Human Survival .
My series follows my intent in the studio of using biodegradable materials and objects along with the wax . The corrugated paper was found in a ditch , perfectly shaped for the skirt of Pod Goddess II . Ripped from the tree trunks by the wind , the palm tree pods made natural life size bodices for the dresses and the fiber became the skirt for Pod Goddess I . Painted with wax medium , the bodice and the fiber resembled the finest sienna colored wood . Constructed with paper and cardboard , the birds — whispering all of nature ’ s secrets — were textured with encaustic .