Wizened
Certain bones resemble the secret faces that can be seen in the bark of a tree or embedded in a rock. This wise face rests on stone in shades of umber and earth. Peeking out from behind is a pressed petunia that came from a patch hidden on one of Philadelphia's older, cobbled streets. The heads of three poppies gracefully arch their way out of the wise one's garden. The entire piece has been highly varnished and its elements carefully adhered to a wood panel. The work is shown larger than its original size. It measures 3.5" by 5" and includes the story, Wizened on the back, which has been signed and dated by the artist. The back has been titled, signed and dated by the artist and includes her story, Wizened. Because she lives alone, they call her a witch. At her disposal are all of the ingredients, but she does not use them. Instead, it is the lines in her face, the gray in her hair and the ragged hem of her dress that scare the good folk away. It is the way she stoops in her garden and the things that she grows there. But they will never know, for they will never look to see beneath her skin. She is not a witch; she is simply wizened. Private Collection
