Psst…. I’m releasing new art. “Gypsy” is brand new, fresh, never been seen. She exists because she came from my hands. So, now here is her story.
There are women in your life who helped you grow up and handled your childhood with you. These warrior women helped you through adolescence. If you were lucky they participated with you as you raised your own family.
Your mothers, grandmothers, aunts, cousins, sisters, nieces, teachers, the ladies who lived in your neighborhoods, ladies who participated in your friends lives; celebrate all the women who have taught you because they thought you had a need to learn; or smacked your behind because you put yourself in a bad spot or shot off our mouth when you shouldn’t have. These special friends lay a place for you at the lunch table and called your mother so she would know where you were. Somehow these exceptional women existed throughout part of your life and they greatly influenced who you are.
Gypsy is a compilation of all these incredible women. When I was young, I was horse-crazy. Most weekends and after school I was at the horse corrals. There were many of us who rode our horses and enjoyed being with them. Maxine took us to parades, she taught us things to make us better riders, and stay safe. For many years I lived far away from my childhood home. I vistited Maxine with my parents and my sister and there was a framed photograph of my wonderful childhood friend front and center on Maxine’s wall after all the years. It felt like home, surrounded by childhood friends with whom I share history.
I was blessed with many women who cared enough about me to be my friend. Gypsy was Maxine’s horse. I have special memories of Maxine proudly riding Gypsy who had an elegant presence, especially in her silver saddle. Gypsy was a prancing, glossy black horse and a spectacular sight in any parade. I value the friendships I had with these special women, I appreciate them. Many passed away, as did Maxine. I miss them. I won’t forget them.
This painting is called Gypsy. I also learned from the horse. She was a wonderfully expressive horse who taught lessons to many of us who Maxine befriended. She was gorgeous and she knew it. I always marveled at the partnership of Gypsy and Maxine. They were poetry together. Both completely trusted the other and that is the way of horses and their partners.
Yes, I did just admit I named this painting after Gypsy, the horse. She represents all the Warrior Women who helped me be who I am. I appreciate all of them, and there are many.
Who are the Warrior Women in your life? Celebrate them. What special memories do you have?