THREE WOMEN, 2021

Three Women is a fineliner drawing consisting of three female portraits. The work emerged from a desire to honour, remember, and contemplate the timeless wisdom carried by grandmothers, aunties, and the trusted elderly women who often occupy quiet yet influential roles within our communities. These women are custodians of stories, traditions, warnings, remedies, and life lessons that are passed down through generations.

The inspiration for the piece draws from multiple sources. There are echoes of folklore, mythology, and literature, particularly the three witches from Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Memories of stories about witches, reflections on the Salem witch trials, and fragments of science fiction that captured my imagination all contributed to the atmosphere of the work. These influences are not intended to depict witchcraft directly, but rather to explore the mysterious and often misunderstood power associated with older women and the knowledge they possess.

While creating the portraits, I found myself fascinated by the creases and lines etched into the faces of the women. These marks reminded me of the rings within the trunk of an old tree, evidence of seasons weathered, hardships endured, and wisdom accumulated over time. Each wrinkle became a visual record of experience, resilience, and memory.

Rendered in fineliner, the drawing allowed me to carefully observe and document these details through deliberate mark-making. The permanence of ink felt appropriate for a subject rooted in legacy and remembrance.

Ultimately, Three Women is both a tribute and a reflection. It acknowledges the women who have shaped our communities through their presence, knowledge, and care, while also expressing a gentle curiosity about ageing itself. The work reflects an appreciation for the beauty, complexity, and strength that can emerge with time, and a quiet anticipation of growing older and wiser, should I be fortunate enough to experience the many seasons of life.