A Series of paintings evoking each Zodiac with a single pose
"The Zodiac Collection"
I believe the essence of a woman cannot be fully experienced in a single painting, as our spirits possess a menagerie of archetypes and belief systems that create our individuality. To further explore this idea, I am using the twelve signs of the zodiac. Each astrological sign is a constellation in our sky; and like our connection with the moon and sun, we are affected by each zodiac sign, regardless of our birth date. I see the zodiac much like archetypes, as both are sets of puzzle pieces contributing to a more complex combination of character, highlighting the diverse nature of what it means to be a woman.
The Pirate's heart belongs to no one, for her lovers are the sun and the sweet salt sea. Her silk robes hang loose on her skin, kissed by the golden rays. Bathing in the light, she slips into an oceanic mirage, moving with the ship's deadly stagger.
Taurus "The Knight"
"Taurus represents the sensual being of the knight; she embodies the sacred sanctuary we have within our bodies. Ruled by the planet Venus, she is one of pleasure and beauty, the lady of senses, and all that is pure.
Capricorn "The Mountain"
Capricorn, the mountain climber, foundation and belly of the Buddha. Rooted deep inside the earth, her spine reaches to the sky, skimming the clouds like puffs of smoke from her long pipe. Carved from boulders just after rain, her blood runs with springs of ice-cold rivers.
Scorpio "The Tempest"
The Scorpio is named after the constellation of the scorpion, with a striking tail behind her. The Scorpio's raw power is displayed in the sky as a tempest. When pushed to her limits, she unleashes an energy unbound by the physical, shooting lightning out into the heavens, a raging sea behind her summoned by her call.
Virgo "The Maiden and the Beast"
"The Strength card in the tarot, ruled by Virgo, is titled 'The Maiden and the Beast.' While traditionally a maiden and lion are depicted, my Virgo illustrates the maiden and the unicorn. The maiden does not tame beasts, nor does she seek to bend them to her will; she takes the time to learn the language of the wild. She moves with gentle grace, yet her presence is deeply felt.
Leo "The Lioness"
Leo is the lioness, seductive and powerful; she is the fire sign that burns brightly where she roams. Yes, the Leo is aware of her power and is not afraid to shine brightly, for she knows her presence empowers others, having no urge to humble herself, for she knows her gift is in the limelight.
Gemini "The Dancing Desert Hawk"
Gemini is the desert hawk, the dancing bird of the zodiac; she dances across the sky with the ancient rhythms of long-forgotten lands. She performs her sacred dance, a ritual to guide her through this life. Like any dancer, she is adaptable, rising and falling with each eternal breath; she can dance to any beat, even if there is none, and silence consumes her every note.
Cancer "The Moon Lover"
Cancer, ruled by the moon, can be seen illuminated by her dear love, the moon, her heart pressed close to its beating heart as a sign of trust and affection. She is wrapped in its light, the woman in the sky; beams of silver light highlight her beauty for all to see.
Aquarius "The Alien"
Aquarius, the radiant star, the alien of the zodiac. She is the guardian of knowledge and the steward of ancient wisdom passed down through the ages. Aquarius is always the first to dance, the loudest laugh, and the wildest dressed, for a single star can ignite the sky, and her influence spreads like wildfire.
Pisces "The Dreamer"
In the midst of the Orange trees, Pisces lies in sensual surrender, her body and spirit wrapped in fresh sunlight. She is a channel between the physical and metaphysical, dwelling in the raw in-between where everything is heightened, technicolored, and deeply felt.
Libra "The Goddess of Love and Justice"
Libra sits on her throne made of seashells, for her kingdom can be found deep in the blue, mossy lagoon. She wears a green luminescent robe, symbolizing tranquility within her soul; she maintains a deep meditative peace, a composure necessary to bring forth fair judgment.
Sagittarius "The Archer"
The Sagittarius is the celestial hunter, the wanderer in the sky, ever searching, stalking her dreams like a doe in the forest. She is at the ready with an assertive stance; her strong arms pull back the string, creating the tension of potential energy pulsing through her body. Her soul, drawn like a bow, sends her soaring into realms unbound by time and space.