I just completed this collection of twenty-four paintings.  I am fascinated by the handbags depicted in ancient civilization bas-reliefs and sculptures across continents.

I created twenty-four different stencils to carve into ,my 6″ x 6″ hardboards.  Then I used encaustics (and paper collage) to add color and texture.

I painted the backing board with both chalkboard paint and magnetic paint, as the mysterious handbags of old were perhaps electromagnetic in nature.

Then I added collage items that reflect my own history, as well as my signature arsenal of devices:  game pieces, keys, ribbon, jewelry, wood chips and bobbins.

The fleur-de-lis dominoes have a beautiful patina, as they are new ones mixed with vintage pieces, which I love.

All are framed and ready for their conquest of the world.

There is such a rewarding feeling of validation and joy to the completion of a new series.  I will bask in that after-glow while contemplating what to do next – possibly a second set of these or incorporating the handbags into a larger work, or, or, or?

Yesterday was a day of art immersion – two art shows and a fabulous day spent with my friend and fellow artist, Penny Santy.  In conversation, I kept going back to this series, thinking about what I wanted its journey to be and truthfully, it would be amazing if someone wanted to buy them all and keep them together, because I feel like they are meant to be together.

But then, I think about how the ancient handbags are found in South America, Egypt, Turkey and Iraq.  They stump archeologists as to their function.  Maybe my handbags will be separated and valued individually, and treated with questionable mystery by the viewers who encounter them.

It’s exciting to dream about a future for my little paintings.  They are infused with love, so whatever the outcome, they, and I, will be okay.