Memorial Portraits of Iris

Iris 1950's, (Edition of 50) 2016. Ilmenite and acrylic on paper, 3 x 5 inches

My mother died in April. 

To thank people who came to her memorial, I created an edition of stenciled portraits, drawn from a photo-booth picture of her in her late 20's.  This image suggests revolutionary cafes and poetry slams, and a woman I did not know. She existed before I came - before she brought me - to this earth.  

This is the most glamorous, unknown version of her, in my eyes, showing the spirit within her before she set off for the Caribbean and met my dad. I identify with this earlier adventuress because although the spirit remained, she became, of course, my mother and a more practical person.  

Iris 1950's (2/50), 2016. Ilmenite and acrylic on paper, 3 x 5 inches 

The edition uses powdered iron ore, its blackness fitting the occasion. It looks very like her ashes. The grains separate in places, emphasizing the figure's lack of solidity. 

Study

Night (with diamond panes), 2016. Acrylic on paper 

Night's fascinating.  Darkness simplifies relationships but can create complex images.

Looking back.

Reflection: interior with lamp, 2015. Gouache on paper. 4 x 5 inches.

Last year I started to make small studies from a series of photos, while Mum watched movies. Studio time was at a premium when she was with us, but these times let me get grounded. The space to experiment with small works like this was amazingly nourishing.