Inspired by a human-sized pair of black and red costume wings in my studio, the series, Chimeras, is about transformation and metamorphosis. By using the wings as a “life drawing” model, I have sought to make the inanimate, conceptually and visually animate. The ink and oil paintings stemming from this journey derived from multiple meanings of chimera, starting with the ancient Greek concept of an awe-inspiring, ferocious female beast composed of parts from different animals. Moving from that feminine-inspired monster, my paintings of chimera also touch upon the modern, biological definition of the word as an organism created from two or more sets of DNA, a fusion of life, as well as the meaning of chimera as a fantastic, imaginary hybrid. My Chimeras are composed of feathery forms, without faces or appendages. Have they emerged from chrysalis, cocoon, egg or birth canal? I am evoking life, emotion, and desire with their shapes and bright colors, their perceived movement. Like their ancient reference, there’s something feminine about these chimeras, a quality of being woman inspired, as they spread their wings, flutter in place, or take flight. They are awake, vibrant, crawling, sensing, thinking, feeling and full of agency. The Chimeras seek empowerment, engagement, and enjoyment of life.