In 2013 I returned to Australia with the specific purpose of studying with renown artist and teacher, Ann Small (  asmalldesign.weebly.com ) from the UK.

From Ann I learned a technique of layering fabric and after sewing through all layers, cutting them and opening them back to reveal each underlying layer.

DSC04992

Using this technique I decided to make a piece for the upcoming show at Lorang Fine Art (www.lorangfineart.com ) titled “Women In Motion”. I wanted to showcase women that I found to be inspirational role models both in my own life and in history in general.

I started with Jane Austen, an English novelist, (16 December 1775 – 18 July 1817) one of the most widely read writers in English literature.

Jane Austen

Then I added Florence Nightingale, (12 May 1820 – 13 August 1910) a celebrated English social reformer and statistician, and the founder of modern nursing .

 Florence Nightingale
And then a woman of more recent history, Mother Teresa,  (26 August 1910 – 5 September 1997),  a missionary and recipient of numerous honors, including the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize.
Mother Teresa
Again reaching back in history I chose Queen Victoria,  (Alexandrina Victoria; 24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901) Queen of the United Kingdom from 20 June 1837 until her death. Her reign of 63 years and seven months, the longest of any female monarch in history, was known as the Victorian era.  It was a period of industrial, cultural, political, scientific, and military change.
Queen Victoria
Next I chose the  youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai (Malālah Yūsafzay) ( born 12 July 1997) a Pakistani activist  known for human rights advocacy of education for women.
Malala Yousafzai
And then a woman who made history, Harriet Beecher Stowe, ( June 14, 1811 – July 1, 1896)  as an American abolitionist and author, including the book “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”.
Harriet Beecher Stow
No list is complete without including Susan B Anthony  (February 15, 1820 – March 13, 1906)  an American social reformer and feminist, who played a pivotal role in the women’s suffrage and anti slavery movement, promoting equality for all.
Susan B Anthony
All these women made world history, but I must honor the women that made me..me. The women that I grew up looking at as role models in my own life. The women that gave me their wisdom, strength and truth.
At the top of the piece (the head) I put the woman that I knew from when I was a very young age to possess an amazing strength of character, a deep seated work ethic, my grandmother, Elizabeth Lenhart Geren.
Elizabeth Lenhart Geren
And in the center (the heart) I put the woman that I strive to become every day of my life. The woman I miss, that I treasure, my mother, Sarah Ann Eldridge Geren (Oct 30, 1925- April 3,2011)
Sarah Ann Eldridge Geren
Nine women. Nine role models.
Next..
I set into each of the four corners  nine copper pieces that I had annealed to obtain the fired red color and then beaded with nine beads.
In everything the nine was repeated in my pattern.
all total
Nine is a sacred number. It is the number of completion and fulfillment. It is the symbol of wisdom and good leadership.
Nine represents attainment, satisfaction, accomplishment and success to achieve influence.
I honor these women and many, many, more whose shoulders I stand on today because of their accomplishments and sacrifice.