A Woman’s Voice by Karen L. Murtha
Photopolymer plate aquatint on Magnani Pescia paper
Image size: 6.25” x 6.25”
A Woman’s Voice
I recently heard personal stories told by two women in jobs where they encountered little respect and many defeats. Their words became important as an interpretation of the theme for my project. My drawing of the model, posing with her back exposed, provided a unique canvas for the meaningful printed words.
The context is a mystery. Is this woman reflecting on a conversation and contemplating an interaction? Is this interaction held within an unconventional relationship fraught with questionable language and ultimately mixed feelings? Is she engaged in this personal experience with a friend or foe? Often we replay and question conversations in our mind, doubt our words, and question the words, meaning, or deeds of others.
This image contains two quotes. The first, “Words so simple, yet so easily misinterpreted, the meaning altered in our mind,” is from an unknown writer and reflects doubt. The second quote is from the novel Jane Eyre written by English writer Charlotte Bronte. It speaks of the strength of Jane’s character as “she battles life’s struggles and obstacles but most importantly, she values self-respect, self-truth, and she is not willing to compromise it even for those things she desires most. Truth to self is valued above all else.”