My reasons for choosing Eleanor Roosevelt for the third person to represent in The “Great American Women Series” were three-fold. First, I’ve always loved Eleanor. In fact, I named the house I purchased in 1999 "Eleanor" when I moved to the Hudson Valley. Second, I wanted to produce a body of work using a variety of different media and directions my work takes me in. This is a tendency that I have often been chastised for by advisors and critics alike, but to work in only one way I find difficult if not impossible. I work with one medium until I feel I can no longer be inventive. When it becomes like producing a product, I need to switch and work with something that presents a challenge. It’s that angst that I need to keep my artwork unique and exciting. It is almost like daring my inner creative self to find that connection to universal wisdom and bring it forth.
Although it took a long time for me to find the energy and exact direction to get started, once I did it was non-stop and it felt like I was possessed. My mind could not stop creating pieces, and I continually wrote verse in my head. I had asked Eleanor’s spirit to come through and assist… but it was actually visiting Val-kill, her home in Hyde Park, NY, on a day trip with my daughter, Jordanna, that really kick-started the whole process. I purchased everything that had anything to do with Eleanor at the gift shop… all the photo books and videos and there were many!!! Then I read the voluminous book by Joseph P. Lach, Eleanor and Franklin. I lived 24/7 with this vision, only stopping in between to complete my work at Barrett Clay Works and Artist Community Center where I work. I don’t seem to operate on a regular schedule, even with my work job. I write new classes and programs at 2:00 or 3:00 AM, return phone calls after 10:00 PM (usually a no-no), etc. Creative life as an artist is not regulated by what people might think. For me, creativity is a living, breathing entity that channels through me… my best visions are processed when I can get out of my own way.
As I began the in-depth research on Eleanor Roosevelt, a sense went through my body as to the immensity of her vision and accomplishments. She had always been one of my heroines, but I really never knew why. She was certainly ahead of her time, a pioneer, a visionary—and her gifts will be forever felt by humanity, for she truly made a difference in our world. This reality brought about the third reason… a desire to introduce one of the greatest women in our history to a whole new generation of young people, to have them meet a woman that was so loved by everyone that she was voted “First Lady of the World.” She will always be remembered for her enormous gifts of insight and dedication.
For the exhibition, “Eleanor, Investigation of a Theme,” I produced work in the Written Word Series, Boid Series, Wood Spirit Series, and Captured Energy Series. I feel it was a successful combination of media and production methods to portray the theme of the show. I hope you enjoy the art presented and have learned about this beautiful unique lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. Thank you for viewing.
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