This portrait is the first piece in a new body of work that combines the craftsmanship and design elements of printmaking with the more painterly approach that I have been using in my portraits of empowered women. I utilized one of my printmaking blocks as the central element of this assemblage piece, drawing on art historic inspiration for the narrative.
On a trip to Italy several years ago, I was fascinated by the architectural features in Florence that incorporated sculpture and handmade tile in alcoves on the exterior of several buildings. The starry sky in this piece pays homage to that inspiration as a backdrop to the goddess Diana. She is primarily considered a patroness of the countryside and nature, hunters, wildlife, childbirth, crossroads, the night, and the Moon.
The structural material for this piece is an MDF panel that has been cut to shape and carved by hand with woodworking tools. I used printmaking ink to color the blocks, further tying into the techniques and aesthetics of that part of my studio practice.
Huntress Woodblock Print
This portrait concept featuring my friend Cate was inspired by reading Women Who Run with the Wolves, which she lent me after discussing my concept for a body of work illustrating the beauty of unconventional women. The pivotal book by Clarissa Pinkola Estes is an invaluable collection of wisdom, legends and inspiration for women who walk an unconventional path. I will be forever grateful to Cate for giving me the opportunity to find inspiration in the pages of her copy. She has been an enormous inspiration for my personal self-exploration and the development of several concepts for this series.
Her commitment as a coach and personal trainer, to strengthen and empower women in her community is unmatched. Through the gym where she coaches, Cate offers an annual self- defense class designed specifically for women. Her daily classes reinforce these concepts and equip her students with the tools necessary to defend themselves, if necessary. In addition, she teaches nutrition and healthy habit-forming techniques to provide each student with an individualized foundation for success.
Cate really stands out from all of the models I have worked with over the years for her enthusiasm and personal vision. All of the models I have worked with are unique and stunning, but no other has brought the level of verve and self-confidence to a photo shoot as that exhibited by Cate. She literally arrived with cases of costumes and props.
Consequently, I have several concepts brewing for her once I have fleshed out a basic character for each of our current models. When I have my personal concept for each lady completed, I will follow up with each of them for a second interview to hear their stories and visions for the wild woman gestalt. In this way, the project will develop and evolve over time, creating a series of inter-connected but with very personal characters.
