What I Know Painting

In a world where paintings of women rarely imply the subject is in command of her own sexuality, I paint these images. In a world where paintings of women are perpetually shown with the proverbial crossed legs, I choose these perspectives. When one encounters a taboo there is usually a deeply rooted reason we flinch. It is important to dig into it, question the history, push back. It is clearly difficult to frame thinking, let alone find the language to describe, what has been shuttered off by generations of enculturated taboos. What cannot be named by those who experience it remains invisible. Visuals can challenge us to frame what we are feeling where we otherwise lack the impetus to question. Art offers us a place to trigger thinking by asking open ended questions of the viewer. And so I create these works as flashpoint images rather than epic paintings with illustrative narratives. I paint these images fully aware that the maker does not control the reaction. The narrative springs from the life of the viewer. This piece is one panel of a trio created for the 'Owning Her Desire ' series It can be hung alone or as part of a triptych including ... 'What About Me', 'What I Want' and 'What I Know' All three listed separately. This work is constructed of three stacked layers of cutout wood panel; see angled detail shots