Before I Leave You #1, ink jet print, 17x22, 2021
Before I Leave You #3, ink jet print, 17x22, 2021
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New Work: Before I Leave You...
The past year has been a rollercoaster of emotional and social upheaval, not just for our country, but for humanity at large. As in past work, I wanted to express a personal emotional response using the beautiful marionette created for me by artist, Roman Valdes, as the metaphor for “self”. Inspired by nature and faith, I attempt to respond to the alienation of social interaction, mixed with a societal fear of death. The triptych, “Before I Leave You”, references personal experiences of this past year: I lost my Dad, my “Papi”, I struggle with the “silencing” of voices and the attacks on personal freedoms, (especially since he sacrificed everything to leave Cuba and bring us to the “land of the free”), and I struggle with the loss of God in the world. I contemplate what my place is in the world at this moment, at this time in history, and if I were called by God to leave it, what would I want to share with my past and present students? my friends? my family? and especially, my two beautiful granddaughters, amazing sons and daughter-in-law, and my husband, the love of my life and partner for 40+years? I do not fear death, but I worry about those I leave behind…that I didn’t do enough, that I didn’t love enough, that I didn’t pray enough. There is much to do, before I leave you…
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Personal Narratives: Marionette
Statement: Marionette, is a reflection on our interconnectedness to the subconscious world and the personal journeys we undertake in order to navigate our human existence. These images intend to create a fantasy realm that contemplates change, entrapment and release. The environments that the marionette dwells in are personal elusive places and memory that are specifically linked to the process of discovery. They occupy subconscious places allowing us to process the notions and challenges of contemporary society in an imaginary world.
The series, which I still consider as a work in progress, has to date, 34 completed prints, and several small artist books. The marionette I use to create these images was specifically created for this project by artist, Roman Valdes, who makes these wooden figures and is also a professional puppeteer.
Prints range from 19" x 13" to 40" x 40". All prints are made on Fine Art Paper. Click on any image to see full view and/or view entire portfolio.
The series, which I still consider as a work in progress, has to date, 34 completed prints, and several small artist books. The marionette I use to create these images was specifically created for this project by artist, Roman Valdes, who makes these wooden figures and is also a professional puppeteer.
Prints range from 19" x 13" to 40" x 40". All prints are made on Fine Art Paper. Click on any image to see full view and/or view entire portfolio.