MIDLIFE MERMAIDS

2009, oil, acrylic, glitter on sewn and fiber stuffed canvas, 11" x 36 "x 10”

2009, oil, acrylic, glitter on sewn and fiber stuffed canvas, 33" x 32" x 12”

2009, oil, acrylic, glitter on sewn and fiber stuffed canvas, 31" x 18" x 12”

2009, oil, acrylic, glitter on sewn and fiber stuffed canvas, 50" x 16" x 12”

2009, oil, acrylic, glitter on sewn and fiber stuffed canvas, 46" x 27" x 12”

2009, oil, acrylic, glitter on sewn and fiber stuffed canvas, 66" x 48" x 12”

2009, oil, acrylic, glitter on sewn and fiber stuffed canvas, 44" x 18" x 12”

2009, oil, acrylic, glitter on sewn and fiber stuffed canvas, 33" x 42" x12”

2009, oil, acrylic, glitter on sewn and fiber stuffed canvas, 23" x 45" x 12”

2009, oil, acrylic, glitter on sewn and fiber stuffed canvas, 33" x 41" x 12”

In my Midlife Mermaids series, I examine issues of female identity, gender, body image, body politic, sexuality, and aging.

The faces and upper bodies of each mermaid consist of self-portraits expressing a variety of emotional and psychological states,

including confrontation and contemplation. Within the shapes of the lower torsos and tails, I paint images of the mysteries, wonders,

and wreckage of the sea: coral reefs, sea plants and flowers. These forms also reference both HIV and cancer cells and

female sexual and reproductive organs, and the ruins of sunken ships. Opposites of vulnerability/power, beauty/ugliness, growth/decomposition, life/death and fact/fiction are contained and expressed in these works.

Midlife Mermaid #10.

Midlife Mermaid #3.

Midlife Mermaid #8.

Midlife Mermaid #1.

Midlife Mermaid #2.

Midlife Mermaid #4.

Midlife Mermaid #6.

Midlife Mermaid #9A.

Midlife Mermaid #9B.

Midlife Mermaid #7.