How to Pick 20 Works

September 16, I submitted my application for a Guggenheim Fellowship for my work ‘The Delight Project’.

Last week I was invited to submit Work samples in support of that (!!!) and yesterday, I did it.

They asked for 20 pieces, within the last five years, in chronological order most recent on.

Well, I’ve only been painting for five years and so deciding which works were reflective of my message and also technical skills was a really interesting experience.

Some of the works I chose were energetically or narratively compelling to me, but technically naïve, and I am absolutely good with that.

What I’ve realized in this whole experience is that as a community taught artist, without an art school pedigree, and without a typical art trajectory, showing off the journey from start to now is compelling, at least to me.

And it doesn’t have to be perfect but it has to be authentically me, from 1-20.

I think that’s the point of why I’m even applying for a Guggenheim Fellowship in the first place.

I think it’s really cool that a 47-year-old woman, (now  53)can find out she’s an artist, quit a cool career she’s built, and just go be an ‘artist’.

My decades of experience as a strong woman in rooms made by and for men, has given me so

much material, and now having this language to describe it, is the most profound thing that has ever happened to me. I have loads to say🩷

Here are my submissions in chronological order.

Going back and visiting each of those pieces, and writing a brief synopsis of the Work, was a remarkable experience. I could imagine myself during each of those paintings. In retrospect, this lovely journey is so clear.