Persephone

One of my favorite myths is that of dualistic Persephone, goddess of both Spring and new life and Queen of the Underworld and death. However, as a newly single mom who had escaped an abusive relationship, I saw new meaning in her story. She was forever navigating a relationship with her abductor, existing in two worlds, and never fully part of either. I began to see other goddesses from mythology in a new light and understood more directly how they functioned to help women who had no autonomy or voice. This piece was inspired by an 18th century Meissen vase at the Phoenix Art Museum that is covered in delicate flowers and songbirds. I reimagined the vase in a traditional Greek form, and instead of featuring life, each beautiful flower or creature holds implied danger.

Clay, glaze

8 x 8 x 14 in

2020