THE TEN LARGEST

Part of a much larger series, The Paintings for the Temple, this series delves into the four stages of human life, childhood, youth, adulthood, and old age, and how humans are connected to the greater universe.Over 10 feet tall and 7 feet wide, each piece most likely would have been created laying on the ground of her studio floor, which was unlike the traditional style of painting on an easel. The nature of painting on the floor creates a stronger connection between artist and canvas, requiring the artist to move around the canvas, to stretch over it, and explore it. Each piece took only 4 days to complete, the entire body of work taking only 40 days, with the help of one or two of her friends from "The Five".

CHILDHOOD

The first two paintings in the series are representative of the first stage of life: Childhood. Both works share a blue background and like the rest of the series, they explore duality. According to her notes, the color blue and the lily flowers represent the feminine while the rose and the color yellow represent the masculine.Throughout the piece, there are motifs of birth, blossoming, and growth, such as the blooming flower forms and shapes diverging into two.

YOUTH

In the two paintings representing youth, we see a more vibrant orange background. The shapes and lines show more energy and more movement in these than the other phases. In this diptych, you see more lines and connections being made between forms, suggesting the increasing connections with others and the universe as one develops in youth. The bright, contrasting colors establishes a sense of voice and confidence, again going back to the development of identity during youth. There are many swirls and snail-like symbols in these compositions, specifically No.3. In her personal notes, she explained that the snail symbolized the universe, spiritual evolution, and the obstacles toward it.

ADULTHOOD

The four paintings representing adulthood have a light purple background with areas of light blue strokes. The organic shapes are similar natural elements likes flowers, plants, seeds, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. The natural elements could be another connection to growth and development. Some of the compositions have swirls and shapes and a chaotic assemblage of shapes and lines that create a feeling of complication, similar to the complicated feelings associated with adulthood. In contrast, No.5 and No.7 feel more calm, with less movement, fewer bold shapes, and a greater attention to lines.

OLD AGE

The last two paintings of this series, representing old age, have a light pink analogous background. The forms and composition are more symmetric and square. The symmetrical composition and perfect curves (as seen in the intricate wheel-like spirals of painting No.9) suggest a sureness of action and sense of wisdom. The lack of contrast makes the painting feel softer, contemplative, and serene. The colors are more harmonious and there is a less dynamic movement in the composition. Unlike the other works in this group, which offer organic swirls and unbalanced weight in their compositions, these two a balanced and muted, creating a sense of calmness.