The Lessing/Loyd Certificate Jill and Sherrin had lots of ideas for what they wanted in their certificate. And since
Jill is an artist herself, Sherrin gave her a loose rein in deciding how the certificate would turn out. Both Jill and Sherrin liked the imagery of the Phoenix rising out of the ashes (an
empowering symbol for those who have survived growing up gay in the U.S.), and so the Phoenix and the Eagle, were featured centrally in the certificate. They also wanted irises, pansies and
morning glories. In general, Jill wanted "bright colors" and they both preferred purple, yellow, pink and green colors.
Jill liked the idea of having trees
with "roots" representing the community supporting them. She also wanted a "stream of water" in the picture somehow. In thinking about how the roots could be seen, I thought
of having them visible by reaching into water. Jill wanted the feeling of a circle, so I curved the tree, and extended the circle with the birds flying. Jill has Jewish roots, so I
suggested adding a Menora to the five-pointed Jewish sta and the Chai, the hebrew symbol of Life.
Sherrin had a fondness for several goddesses: Tara, a green, female buddha
usually pictured in the clouds and an Asian Moon goddess, who I decided to put peeking from behind the tree trunk. I suggested putting all of this imagery into the branches of the tree,
which Jill liked.
When I met Jill and Sherrin, I saw the image of their faces in the tree branches, so I did a sketch right there, and put their profiles in the tree
tops, facing each other. Jill's hair is short and swept back, and I naturally saw it turning into leaves and flames in my mind, so the Phoenix's placement was decided. Sherrin had
softer, round curls that reminded me of clouds and so the green Tara appeared above her.
Actual size is 24 inches by 36 inches.
Multi Colors of Ink on Pink Parchment |
