Passion

"Passion" 12" x 16" Oil on canvas. She is a leader, decisive and confident attracting others through her brilliance and warmth. She encourages you to take risks, be unique and ignite your inner fire. She celebrates the gift of her menstrual cycle, honoring it as a time of being more psychic and intuitive. For more information on the historical significance of women's menstrual blood click here for an article by Adelheid Ohlig titled, "Women's Blood Mysteries". "Passion" is inspired by the following Fire Goddesses; Brigit a Celctic Fire Goddess associated with light, inspiration and skills associated with fire like weaponry, Pele the Hawaiian Volcano Goddess, Hestia Goddess of the Hearth and Oya the African Fire Goddess.
Click here to read more about the African Fire Goddess Oya from The African Realm of the forgotton goddess

For a list of names meaning fiery, fire, blaze, flame, burning, etc. click here.

Chinese Jamaican's

"Miss Young"
12" x 16" Oil on Canvas.
This painting is not a portrait, my process is to paint and allow these characters to emerge. She is titled Miss Young in honour of my half chinese maternal grandmother, whose maiden name was Young. My grandmother was born in 1923, she was a dressmaker who at my request made numerous doll clothes for my dollies.

Recently I was browsing through the Jamaica National Library's images on flickr and came across some images of Chinese Jamaican Ladies from the 1930's, they were newspaper announcements for their occupations such as; vocalist, doctor, cashier etc. It was uplifting to see how many were involved in family businesses, medicine, and especially the arts.

Top row: Miss Audrey Leahong, well known fancy painter, Dr. Hoashoo M.B. one of two lady doctor's in Jamaica, Miss Elma Fung, who is her father's cashier.
Bottom row: Miss Doris James, a well known vocalist at concerts, Miss Doris Chin Loy, Who is now studying in China and Miss Fay Hendrickson, assistant in her father's business.

To read more on the history of the Chinese in Jamaica click here.

Goddesses; Sister's of the Sea

"Sea Sister"
12" x 16" Oil on canvas.
Most cultures have a mermaid story click here to read mermaid stories from around the world from the following countries: The Antilles, Ireland, Iceland, Yoruba, Chile, France, Native American, Native American - Ottawa, African American and my favorite from Trinidad by author Joseph L. Titled "The Mermaid's Twin Sister" here is an excerpt:

"Tilly?" I called softly. "Is that you, Tilly? I was whispering because my voice was hoarse from shouting. But she didn’t answer. She swam in front of me, pulling my long hair gently so I drifted behind her. She was heading toward the shore. And she swam quick like a fish, slicing through de water even smoother than she ever had before.

And when we got to the shallows, she let go my hair and whispered in a voice that sounded like a cloud floating on the sea. "They don’t know it’s two of us. So go now and be my earth self, and I’ll be your water self." Before I could answer, she turned fast and swam away. And all I could see was a long, beautiful fish slicing de waves."