Art Pieces
Stories have power! They shape how we see the world and how we see ourselves. It’s important to ask: who is telling the story?
As I immersed myself in the myths and legends of women, I realized that most of our stories are told through a male lens.
To do this, I use materials often associated with “female arts” (sewing, flower arrangement, embroidery, scrapbooking, and more) combined with traditional fine arts media and techniques (paints, pastels, charcoals).
My mixed media pieces give the power of our stories back to women while celebrating the magic and wonder that surrounds us every day.
If you are interested in purchasing one of the pieces below, please contact us via amy@artpostropheamy.com
The Luceata
We are born to shine! Too often the voices in our head are filled with the noise of the contradictory opinions of others. Women are told they are too bold, too timid, too plain, too flashy, too smart, too naive, and expected to be all and nothing at the same time.
The Luceata are creatures of splendor and light that appear to those who find themselves bogged down by unnecessary expectations. They help to reignite the spark within and help us discover our own unique flare!
The Belstets
Belstets are fertility goddesses, but not in the traditional sense of the word. They cultivate the mind and spirit. By nourishing our ideas, intellect and confidence, they help us realize our potential is unlimited. When you need a boost, look to the Belstets, and they will help you bloom.
The Keepers
Sometimes we carry things with us that can weigh us down. No matter how they make us feel, these memories, secrets, and experiences can keep us from moving forward. The Keepers are there to take these off your heart and keep them safe for you indefinitely or until you decide you want them back.
The Weavers
The Weavers are observers and chroniclers. They sit in their spot and unbiasedly weave together the stories of the lives they watch. The tapestries they create tell the story of a specific place and of those who come and go over a long period of time.
The Nightshades
The Nightshades are warrior women who fight for those who need it most. Hunted by those who feared their strength, they disguised themselves from those who wished to do them harm, but not from those in need. In tough times, know that Nightshades are everywhere, ready to fight for you.
The Seers
The Seers are able to see the possibilities of our future, but only the possibilities. Since our life stories are written by our choices, they are constantly changing, and many would prefer a road map to help lead them to their deepest desires. People seek out The Seers to hear what they want their future to be, but often don’t want to know the full truth of what may come. So, The Seers hide themselves and only appear to those who seek the truth with an open mind and a grateful heart.
The Cerlia
Sometimes, darkness descends. Lost and confused, it can be hard to continue when we feel as though we are alone. However, there is always a glimmer of hope. The Cerlias are always there. Look beyond the darkness and you’ll see their shine. They light the way on our journeys until we rediscover the radiance within.
The Odlabeti
We are a constant work in progress and that is okay. The pressure to be everything all the time is both exhausting and impossible. The Odlabeti are here to remind us of the beauty in imperfection. Acknowledge the growth, note what could be improved, but most importantly, CELEBRATE who you are in this moment. You will never be this exact person again, and she deserves love.
The Aitisia
Love is a gift that should be given freely. However, fear and ignorance can cast a shadow over the heart, and this gift is not easily given. This is especially true for those others perceive as different. The Aitisia love all. They take in, shelter and nurture the unwanted and forgotten. In this haven, those cared for by the Aitisia are free to be who they are unconditionally. The value they discover in themselves and the love they are given, is passed on exponentially to others.
The Gorgons
Gorgons represent divine female wisdom. Rebranded as monsters by those who wished to negate their power, they became, in the eyes of some, little more than another vain female intent to destroy man. However, they kept their knowledge of the past, present and future and are ready to share with those willing to learn. If you see past what some would describe as looks that could kill, you are ready for the knowledge and power of the Gorgon.
The Gelabing
Bubbly, effervescent, joyful and fun! It’s easy to assume those words, though fun, often imply that those who embody these traits often lack depth. However, the Gelabing embody all that and so much more. They are wise, powerful, and strong. They take on the obstacles with flair and enjoy the moment when they overcome. Harness the freedom in their exuberance and face the world with a vigorous heart!
The Sunflowers
Women are strong, beautiful, intelligent, creative, and infinitely more. However, we sometimes forget that we are inherently amazing. The Sunflowers are here to remind us who we are. They turn toward the light and reflect back the brilliance they see in you.
Those Who Came Before
Those Who Came Before are the collective spirits of our ancestors. When we pass, the lessons we learned in our lives aren’t forgotten, they are collected by Those Who Came Before. They are always there, whispering to our hearts words of encouragement and sharing the lessons of the past to those willing to listen and learn.
The Crones
Crone, Hag, Witch, and so many words relating to women have taken on a negative connotation. However, their origins reflect a much deeper and positive meaning. The Crones are women who have gained strength, wisdom, beauty, and so much more with their years. Their empathy and desire to share their skills and knowledge make them great leaders.
Wishlings
When someone makes a wish on a star, throws a coin in a well in hopes of making a dream come true, or sends a heartfelt silent request for a secret longing, those dreams are gathered and protected by Wishlings. Wishlings are the guardians of wishes. They carry and protect them whether they come true or not, because each wish is a story and all stories should be protected.
Asteropa (Goddess of Storms)
Storms can be beautiful, destructive, desired, unexpected, and infinitely more. Just like woman, they are many faceted. Unfortunately, both storms and women are expected to be just what those around them want. Asteropa unapologetically embraces all aspects of herself. She is there to remind us that we should be who we are, not who others expect us to be.
Mariposa
Mariposa is the Goddess of Ideas. She gives birth to butterflies that travel through the world landing on those who dream ready to develop into an idea. If this happens and the idea is used, it stays with that person. However, if the idea isn’t used, it goes back to Mariposa for safe keeping.
The Queen
The Queen was born out of my admiration of Bees and Honey. I love that honey can be consumed no matter how old. To me that is truly a gift of life. The Queen is a goddess who chose to come to earth and give her gift of life and honey to the world.
Baba Yaga
Baba Yaga is a witch traditionally portrayed as a villain, but if you delve into the Slavic folklore origins of her story, there is more to her than the stock wicked witch. This got me thinking about how words like witch, hag, and crone and the negative connotations that come with them, though all of these words originally had positive meanings. On further thought, I couldn’t really come up with a comparable word for an aging man. Instead, they become “distinguished”. I wanted to take back the power of these words and the show the strength, wisdom, and beauty of the aging and aged woman.
The Protector
I read several articles about women who braided rice into their hair and their children’s hair when sold into slavery. This ensured that their children would have something to eat if they were separated, gave them agency to plant their own crops in their new home, and a way to keep their culture alive. It was due to the skill and knowledge of these women that the rice crops prospered. The Protector honors these women and their resilience. She is the goddess that keeps watch on those most in need of assistance.
