I have been searching for representations of the stages of transformation between life and death. The mummies of the Tarim Basin of China are haunting in their lifelike features of remarkably preserved flesh and hair, embracing both life and death, like sentinels of the afterlife or visual memories of lives once lived. I chose to paint this woman because I was intrigued by her tattoos and her lifelike features. She looks powerful with her circular tattoos on her forehead; symbols conveying a connection to other realms. We can only surmise what we believe her status was on earth, but in death she continues to arouse our wonder. She is Caucasian, yet lived in the west of China almost 3000 years ago. The mystery of her existence is intriguing and continues to draw us into her silent world.
“Dessicated Time
Marking Life Within
Memoirs Foiled, Unknown”