acrylic on paper

45” x 45”

2025

Matriarchs, I

As a kid, I loved flipping through the pages of my parents’ wedding album, fixating on certain photographs from the event and reception. Among the many favorites, a photograph of both my grandmothers, Helen Mae & Ruby, my maternal great grandmother, Clarabelle, my paternal great aunt, Cornelia, and the mother of Mama’s college roommate, Pinky, have remained a standout, one I have reimagined in paint for many years.

And it was always my intention to share this painting with the advent of spring (despite my parents’ nuptials having occurred in late November), mostly because of their gowns—their colorful, long-sleeved, floor-length fashions (which I find endlessly charming). Choosing to hIghlight this, I removed the details of their setting and placed all of the focus upon them.

Now, after fifty years in a photograph, it’s a joy to see (L to R) Cornelia, Pinky, Helen Mae, Ruby, & Clarabelle liberated from the 4” x 4” frame that’s held their pose since 1975.

Matriarchs, I is paired with Milepost 14: Marry Me, my parents’ wedding announcement from the Clarion Ledger, Jackson, Mississippi’s longtime newspaper.

It’s my intention to hang this piece in my own home once framed, so Matriarchs, I is not currently listed for sale. However, if you have your heart set on making it your own, you’re welcome to reach out to me here.