I'm always a little hesitant to share my methods of painting
the women in my series of Women I Might Have Known. It's not because I
don't want anyone to know my tricks. My relationship with
these women is intimate. I spend a great deal of time going through my picture
albums, selecting a photo that speaks to me and then researching to learn the
story related to the photo. Who these women are is very important to me. At the
same time I am making decisions about what story I want to tell. I don't want
to talk about poverty, depression or other forms of sadness. I'm always
searching for a way to show true character.
This is a family picture of women from my husband's family.
Knowing the life they lived supports my relationship with the photograph,
making the women real and helping me tell a story. I knew they were mother and
daughter. I loved the affectionate way the younger woman was lending support to
the elder woman. I could see the mother was tolerating her daughter's help. It
conveyed trust, humor, love and friendship. And the thing I found most
compelling about the photo - both women were barefoot. Knowing the family
history, I knew these women had been canning in the kitchen, and it was very
hot work, especially in July. They were taking a break, removing hose and
shoes,walking on soft grass to the creek so they might dip their feet in the
cool water. Catching them on their walk was a lucky moment for the photographer-
producing a beautiful and rare photograph of daily life on the farm.
I will be at Aar River Gallery on Saturday, October 12 from 2 - 4 demonstrating one of my Women I Might Have Known paintings. It's a free demonstration to the public, so stop by if you would like to see more or have questions about my work.
Susan
The way you tell the story of women doing ordinary makes them so special.
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