Core Essence Series Explained

Core Essence is a series of paintings that depicts women as goddesses a top each planet. They symbolize the embodiment of different energies that empowers one to move forward in life. This series was inspired by a photograph of a Brazilian model Loo Ana and my interest in Astrology. In the photo she is sitting on the ground with an exasperated facial expression. I imagined her sitting on top of the planet Earth. This became the first painting of the series.

"The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman." -Malcolm X, this quote came to mind after the painting was finished. I thought about my trip to South Africa in 2009 where I visited both the Iziko Slave Lodge and the Ditsong museum in South Africa. I thought about the stories I heard about women who killed themselves and their children to escape slavery. I thought about the hard ships that I along with other Black women have experienced in their lives. I also thought about the oldest human remains found in Africa. During this trip I was able to see one of the oldest human remains found in South Africa at the time.

Many people say the Black woman is called the mother of civilization. It is ironic that woman who is called the mother of civilization on Earth is also called the most disrespected, unprotected, and neglected person. When mothers are normally revered and honored. Therefore, the goddess in the painting is depicted to reflect an exasperated emotion. She represents the beginning stage of the dark night of the soul. The painting is called Mother Earth.

The Earth represents the basic beginnings and foundation of an earthly mission. It is not directly related to any one specific zodiac sign in astrology, but it is recognized as one of the 4 elements. Earth signs are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn in Astrology. The Earth element is about manifestation, practicality, and fertility.

As I researched the Greek and Roman mythological relations to each planet. During my research I also found that these mythological stories were very similar to African Orisha. I found photos of ancient pottery depicting the gods as black. https://shelton.berkeley.edu/painting/Images-BF.html The next idea that came to mind was a question, what if each planet were ruled by a black goddess, what would they look like? This is how the Core Essence series was born.

The next painting in this series was called Venus. This planet represents the energy of love in Astrology. It rules the zodiac signs Taurus and Libra. The goddess is depicted as woman who appears to be reflecting. Her energy seems to be still and relaxed, but she is radiating the energy of love. She symbolizes self-love that starts from within. Her dress is blue, the color symbolizes serenity, stability, inspiration, or wisdom. I believe these are all fruits that come from self love.

Mercury is the third painting in the series. The planet rules communication in Astrology it represents the zodiac signs Virgo and Gemini. The goddess is alert but still in a relaxed posture. She symbolizes the act of communicating with self and analyzing thoughts to decide what needs to change and how to change.

Jupiter was the 4th painting; the planet represents expansion and rules the zodiac Sagittarius in Astrology. The goddess is relaxed and regal she has a queen like head wrap. She symbolizes the will to move outside comfort zones and take up space unapologetically. She embodies confidence and security.

Mars is the 5th painting in the series and represent war in Astrology it rules the zodiac Aries. This goddess looks fierce and powerful because she is poised to attack. She symbolizes passion and aggression. This aspect of personality is traditionally seen as inappropriate for women to openly express. However, once it is accepted and embraced it can be a powerful source of strength when used correctly.

The 6th painting in the series is Saturn. It represents restrictions and is the ruler of Capricorn in Astrology. This goddess symbolizes the act of recognizing limiting beliefs and behaviors and breaking free. She is depicted with her hands up not as a gesture of surrender but of defiance. She is clearly focused and without fear. The defensive stance that says No, or Stop she is not pleading but she is warning. This painting also speaks to injustice and brutality suffered by black people.

Neptune was the 7th painting which is also known as the god(dress) of the sea. The planet represents spirituality in astrology and rules the zodiac Pisces. The goddess is poised in a squatting position at the edge of the planet and looks as if she could take a leap off in to the unknown. She symbolizes curiosity and the willingness to take a chance or start a new beginning.

The 8th painting in the series is Uranus. The planet represents rebellion and innovation and rules the zodiac Aquarius in Astrology. This goddess is standing confidently with arms stretched high symbolizing freedom and her willingness to create her own destiny. She does not conform.

The final two paintings in the series were the Moon and Sun. The moon represents emotions and how one expresses vulnerability. It is the ruler of the zodiac sign Cancer in Astrology. This painting symbolizes being comfortable with vulnerability and the dark sides of personality.

The Sun in Astrology represents the drive to experience life and express individuality. It is the ruler of Leo in Astrology. In this painting it symbolizes the confidence that comes from the inner source of strength. It is the last stage of the dark night of the soul, a spiritual rebirth into power and strength after being purified by the intensity of the sun.

The planets suspended in black matter represent the dark night of the soul which is a moment in life when one feels like they are emotionally surrounded by darkness. The only light that can be found is from within. Over time the inner light is perceived by the person emulating it. The planets represent the energy and light that is created during this time. This energy illuminates aspects of personality that previously may have gone unnoticed. Each aspect helps the person navigate through the darkness. Instead of looking for light from outside themselves, one realizes they are the light. With that understanding, the core essence of a person is revealed and they emerge as a stronger more powerful being.

I hope this has been helpful in understand this painting series and the ideas from which it was created.