fertile a. (of soil) producing abundant vegetation or crop, fruitful; (of seed, egg, etc) capable of becoming new individual; (of animals and plants) able to conceive young or produce fruit; (of mind) inventive
 

When I was invited to do this show, I knew immediately that I would call it "The Waiting Room" as it is hung in the waiting room of the old train station in Haliburton. The general topic for this body of work is "fertility,"an appropriate body of work for a waiting room. Fertility symbols, traditional female crafts, literature on fertility/infertility and poetry are all integrated as I investigate the cultural, historical and personal iconography associated with fertility.

I continue to be intrigued by the beauty of patterns, by the images in the art of primitive cultures, and by the drawings created by young children. I have combined these interests in this show, integrating fertility symbols and decorative patterns from a diverse collection of cultures and epochs as well as images drawn by my eight year old niece.

I am working in acrylic on canvas and am exploring creating texture with modeling paste and sand. I am working larger than I have previously. Also included is a three-dimensional piece which incorporates a poem by e.e. cummings.

The experience of being in the waiting room is dichotomous. This is a world of soothsayers, statuettes, domestic altars, and charms. Of roses and ashes. Of hope and despair. Of need and denial. Of spirit and soul. These are the things I sense while I’m in my waiting room.