Love is All that Matters

I am a white woman painting people of color, mostly black women. Why, you might
ask? “Love is all that matters” comes to mind. When I was very young my babysitter
was a black woman. I loved her so much and knew that she loved me. Growing up in the
deep south in the 1950's and 60's, I witnessed the inequality that the black community
was subjected to and was very confused and disturbed. After all, I saw no differences
between us except skin color and that didn't count. I knew that I had been shown so
much love and that was “all that mattered”. I was changed. Love is natural. Hate is
taught.
These paintings come from my point of view. They show my admiration for these
women of color. Dignity, strength, and self-assurance are found in their faces. They
command honor and respect.
Fabric and pattern play a role in this body of work. Often a muted color palette plays off
the strong faces. They are not specific women but composites of the remembered,
studies in grace and power.