A Wing and A Prayer
The Wing and a Prayer series emerged in 2020, amidst a pandemic, social unrest and political upheaval. The paintings began from a fierce and broken place, as shields for warrior spirits. The work has transformed over the years and become softer, braver and more hopeful.
Unfurl the Flags
of Hard-Fought Freedom
36”x36”x1.75”
Oil & wax on panel
A Wing and A Prayer
24”x36”x2”
Mixed media on panel
How Sacred our Being
36”x36”x2”
Mixed media on panel
This is to be our Awakening
24”x 36”x 2”
Oil & wax on panel
Wild Abandon
24”x 24”x 2”
Oil & wax on panel
Revelation of Truth
10”x20”x1.5”
Oil & wax on panel
Quiet Defiance
18"x24”x1.5”
Oil & wax on Panel
Still Point
14"x 22.5”x.5”
Oil & wax on panel
The Beating Heart of Courage
24”x36”x1.5”
Mixed media on panel
Words are Made of Breath
20”x30”x1.5”
Mixed media on panel
Wing of Night (Blue Moon/Black Bird)
24”x24”x1.5”
Oil & wax on panel
Joy as an Act of Resistance
24”x36”x1.5”
Oil & wax on panel
Ache in the Knowing
16”x16”x1.5”
Mixed media on panel
The Doing of What Ought to be Done
Two panels, each 20"x30"x1.5”
Oil & wax
Artist Statement
My art explores ideas of injustice in contemporary culture and how we reclaim both autonomy and freedom when we arm ourselves with knowledge. The work is inspired by the Say Her Name, Me Too and Black Lives Matter movements as well as poetry, literature, sculpture and music. The work is derived from the ancient idea that shields possess spiritual power and protect us from violence.
My iconography includes words, broken wings, weaponry, multiple moons and rectangular geometric forms. The shields are highly textured paintings, with layers of wax, oil and other improvised medium, built upon wooden panels. The color palette is limited to three or four colors, with strong contrast. The visual effect is of fractured stone, weathered bone and luminous light.
My ongoing exploration of shields for broken spirits exposes difficult truths in our society and within ourselves. The work is a humble acknowledgement of what we lose when we cut short, stigmatize or terrorize another human life. I honor those who have perished in the struggle and offer hope that we can collectively heal broken spirits — and that we can all be free.