The Strong One

Samyak Yamauchi, "The Strong One", 26" x 22" framed, $800 @ RiverSea Gallery

I hardly ever paint men. They just don't emerge as freely from my layers and marks as females do.  I've been thinking about why that is. I guess it's because I'm a woman, so that's the story I paint.

Like every woman I know, I've had my share of mistreatment and disrespect by males. From childhood through adulthood those men, unconsciously merged with the collective false myth of the male, have said and done really stupid and inappropriate things. When I do paint a male, he's usually paired with a dog, because there's nothing like a good dog to teach you how to be a good human.

I paint mostly women and girls. I paint women and girls who are fierce and funny, strong and smart, and connected to themselves and to others.  That's some of what will help move us out of this Bizarro World and into a world that is respectful and sustainable. 

It takes a lot of strength and courage to be a woman or man of integrity in this world right now, and I have  deep respect for those who  are willing to stand up for what is right and for who they are.