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