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All paintings are mixed media on linen • 31" x 31" • 2006

I am always looking for societies where women played an equal or superior role.  The Ama: Fisherwomen of Japan, supported their island communities, harvesting sea weed and shellfish for themselves and the larger urban islands. Their ability to stay under water longer than men gave them economic power. Ama no longer exist: modern fishing methods having replaced them starting after WWII.  Their power and beauty as part of nature, is now history.

Selected reference articles (PDF format):
NY Times • University of Michigan • Wilderness Medical Society