The women, and occasionally, children, never seem quite comfortable in their roles, their environment, or their relationships.  A sense of ambiguity pervades each image.

Now participating in “events,” costumed and made-up, the women’s ambivalence is more pronounced, more overt.  Despite brighter colors, sunlight, and apparent festivity, the mystery continues.  In the most recent paintings, most of which are set in the interiors of white tents, I have used the Pierrette from French pantomime to add another dimension to this comedy of manners.

Horses, dogs, a cat and turkey vultures, along with the ubiquitous crows are present literally and metaphorically.

Barbara Waterman-Peters
2008