Standing on the shoulders of the women who have come before

2024

Digital Painting

“Standing on the Shoulders of the Women Who Have Come Before” is a tribute to the community of women who have shaped and supported me. It honors the teachers, mentors, friends, and writers whose wisdom guided me; it represents my gratitude and hope to contribute to uplifting others as I have been uplifted. It touches on the desire for connection to our communities, ourselves, and the divine.

The piece evolved into a collaborative effort. I consulted with women I know, incorporated, their suggestions, and added elements that enriched the final work. This collaborative aspect reflects and deepens the spirit of the piece and its impact.

A key challenge for this piece was ensuring that it was inclusive and respectful of the wisdom shared by Black, Brown, and Indigenous women. I wanted to credit these women meaningfully without being patronizing. A solution emerged through the use of patterns, a departure from my usual style, which allowed me to weave the influence of women from all backgrounds, races, and beliefs into the artwork in a respectful and nuanced way.