We Are Who They Were...And the Story Continues...

We Are Who They Were - Digital Collage

Life has an interesting way of weaving the stories of our ancestors into the fabric of who we have become.

The current Lunagirl Moonbeams challenge is "Mother". The Images sent to work with were beautiful as always. I chose the Mother and daughter engrossed in music and instrument playing.

Seeing the two sitting together got me thinking about the conversation they could be sharing. Perhaps the melody was its inspiration.

Many times a piece of music reminds me of someone in my life...be it my parents, or other relatives and friends. The notes of the song draw me in, and once again I am transported to a particular place and time. Could the Mother and Daughter not only be sharing memories, but making new ones of their own?

The collage is a digital work. The principal image is from the Lunagirl Collection. The surrounding images are from a variety of sources.

In the end, we are who are ancestors were. We learn from their triumphs and tragedies. We continue the story of their lives through our own. We can find the nurturing guidance we seek not only in the women in our lives but also in those who care to encourage us to be the best we can be.

Happy Mother's Day to you all...and to all those who support and embolden our authentic selves.

Women Are Inspiring...Who Inspired You?

Life Is A Song - ATC

Today is International Women's Day. The theme for the 2014 celebration is: “Equality for women is progress for all”. The day is a clear reminder of how far we have come...but yet we still have a long way to go. When I look back on the opportunities and resources available to my great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother I can appreciate there has been progress. But just not enough, not fast enough, and not globally enough.

"Life is a Song...Sing It", is a passage attributed to Mother Teresa I read in the Grand Circle Corporation book of quotes. It inspired this Artist Trading Card and I feel it is echos the spirit of today's celebration. We all have a unique voice and together we open doors for each other, not only on one day of the year, but every day, every year.

My life is shaped by so many women. I imagine my Muse to be a woman as well. She isn't a singular being, but rather bits and pieces of the women who have influenced my life. She has the business savvy of my maternal great-grandmother; the intelligence and forward thinking of my maternal grandmother; the fortitude of my paternal grandmother; the work ethic of my paternal aunt; the nurturing compassion and sound judgement of my mother, and finally the constant support of my partner.

My Artist Trading Card is a mixture of a vintage photo, Distress Inks, and acrylic paint stencilled and rubber stamped on to the illustration board substrate.

As International Women's Day draws to a close, show your appreciation to all of the powerful, influential women who make a difference in your life. Women are inspiring. Who inspired you?