The Sacred in the Night , encaustic , mixed-media , 14 x 25 x 12 inches , 2015
Exposing some of my own layers beyond my small and safe circle was a decision I made when invited to participate in the WITNESS Project , whose purpose was to give voice to females who had experienced violence . With trepidation , I resolved to share this hidden part of my life . Compiling art created over a period of 30 years , I sought to convey the lasting impact of childhood trauma . Transcending the boundary from private to public , my purpose was to empower others , especially women , to let into the light those truths which have been concealed by darkness , despair , and shame . We all have things in our lives that would benefit from emancipation . This sentiment was reinforced by an anonymous quote discovered many years ago -- “ Release anything that is deadening to your spirit ,” providing ongoing courage and reminding me of the repercussions of holding back what needs unleashing .