10-Year Retrospective Exhibition
"Celebrating the Genius of Women"
by Maria Guerrero, Founder & Exec. Director, Women in the Arts Inc.
In this series, I am thrilled to present works by Maruchi Carmona, from Miami, Florida; Mia Merlin, Savannah, Georgia; Mila Belle, Orlando, Florida; Pamela Z. Daum, Kent, Ohio.
Inspired by a dream in which a dove appeared, Maruchi began the "Pandemic" series of paintings. "A Transcendent Reality" is part of this series. The artist recounts: "During the first few months of isolation, it was challenging to get inspired by my surroundings. The difficulties of everyday rituals were discombobulated. My mind made me look deeply inward to make sense of the anguish, the sadness, and the fear of the unknown by transforming sad, negative feelings into hopeful endeavors. It was the only way to get inspiration from those feelings, an outpour describing the difficult times we are in."
Mia painted "Public Fountain" from a photograph she took. During a trip to New York, her daughter was playing in a fountain with other kids, joining with whoever was around. The artist reflected that not so long ago, it was illegal in some places for children of different races to share a pool or a drinking fountain: "The spouts of water seemed like specters from the past, still present; the cruelties they were born into, that they are forced to navigate, robbing them on some level of their innocence. But the water is also dancing and flowing, a physical manifestation of basic shared joys, and connection."
Mila's sculpture, “Owl Spirit” conveys the essence of an owl. The owl is a creature that is respected and regarded for its superior sight, hearing and silent flight that makes it an excellent hunter.
Many traditions honor the owl as a symbol of wisdom and it is often associated with a feminine aspect and mystery. Mila expresses her view of the owl as a symbol of a powerful divine feminine, one that has entered the age of spiritual wisdom.
“Pictured Rocks 211”
About this photograph, Pamela describes: "As most, likely all artists, I was starting a project when the pandemic struck. In the fall of 2019, I embarked on a journey to visit and record images from National Parks. I managed to make it to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where I captured 'Pictured Rocks 211,' a perspective of a cove in the Picture Rocks National Lakeshore at Munising, Michigan. Continuing this journey is something I look forward to when it is once again safe to travel."
View the Digital Exhibition for more works by these artists, and all fifty-eight participants from Orlando and abroad.
A collection of works by twenty-two local artists is on view at the Orlando Public Library until April 23.
Enjoy the exhibition, connect with us and the artists on social media, and support us by sharing this message with your audience.
Happy Easter!
