Title: Butterfly

Media: Multimedia (embroidery, rubbing, relief printing) on paper. Triptych. 76”W x 50”H Framed, UV plexiglass. 

A female athlete in butterfly swim posture moves through the swirl of water with elegant strength. Created to honor Women’s History Month, the piece uses strong organic colors echoing the strength of the swimmer’s movement. Stained glass windows suggest an air of reverence. Dancing in the spray of water are tiny images of butterflies, flowers and swirls created with ink rubbings mimicking ancient batik wood carvings. As a bow to the traditional role of women, embroidery is used to outline the swimmer; and paper grocery bags, a nod to the homemaker, serve as the paper. The piece reveals the woman emerging from the shadows, illustrating a symbolism that continues to be relevant today. As she pushes forward through the pool and across time, Butterfly shows the beauty of past, present, strength and progress.