Ten Paper Songs is a tribute to the two most influential women in my life, my mother and my grandmother. The paintings include details from moments of my life with them, common everyday moments that string together and result in the days and years that I now look back on with awe and respect, joy and sadness. My mother, the horsewoman, tough and capable and uncompromising in her opinions. Through her I felt my first horse as she rode a big appaloosa stallion throughout her pregnancy with me. Dangerous, bold and risky, but it turned out right as rain. She has given me strength and heart, laying the foundation of courage I have relied on while following my dreams. My grandma, the first artist I would meet. Through her gardens, her kitchen and her hands beauty grew up everywhere. Creating every moment of the day, and laughing all the while, finding joy in everything, taking nothing for granted- that was my grandma. As a child I thought she was smart, now I know she was the wisest woman I have ever known. I miss her terribly, think of her often and reach for her hand even now when I need it. She passed in 1997, but she visits me sometimes in the form of a brilliant shooting star. These pieces are the first chapter of Ten Paper Songs, there are more to come. They were a joy to discover and have allowed me, in my way, to express the beautiful love I know for these two women. Every brushstroke of this show is dedicated to Kathleen Schwartz and Rita Dobay return to courage