Illustration Friday – “Hierarchy” Entry
Illustration Friday Entry
Week of 5/1/09 – 5/7/09
Theme – Hierarchy
I’m participating in Illustration Friday; an ongoing weekly event, which inspires artists of all mediums to create themed work in a short period of time.
Every Friday, a new theme is chosen and posted on the Illustration Friday site. Artists spend the week producing their take on the topic–and the result is truly enjoyable.
I love the challenge of producing work with a theme, so I’m going to try to participate as often as possible. This week’s theme is Hierarchy.
(click for a larger image)
“Hierarchy” is done with traditional Chinese brush painting techniques on white rice paper. Each stroke is laid down only once and washes are built up for dimension.
The human is small, like a single grain of sand among billions, in the face of the universe… in traditional Chinese painting, humans are often painted small, in relation to nature; a reminder of the hierarchy of the flow of things.


I am a professional artist, writer, and teacher with over 20 years of experience in painting and sketchwork. Lately I've focused on printmaking (lithography, monotype, relief), though I studied Chinese brush painting for a number of years. I have a degree in English (emphasis on poetry and creative writing) and a BFA in Studio Art (printmaking concentration). I am currently pursuing an MFA in Visual Arts from the Art Institute of Boston. I also teach through the University of New Mexico Continuing Education department. A lot of my work focuses on the interconnectedness of all things--and on the Tao, present in everything. Zowie! /end formal-sounding bio.








A wonderful painting and a very meaningful narrative to accompany it. Just brilliant – such a clever take on the prompt.
I have enjoyed visiting and looking through your unique style of art here. looking forward to seeing more.
Lovely concept, and lovely painting!
Thank you so much!!!
Doesn’t hurt to be reminded that we’re a small part of a bigger picture, I think. Lovely work.
lovely work.. lovely strokes.. great concept.
thanks for the visit!