Fisherman of the Moon – This painting was inspired by a Mexican poem with the same title. While reading the poem Rosemary pictured, in her mind’s eye, a man with a large magical net filled with fish which he was releasing into the nearby Rio Grande river. The animals around the edge of the painting, as well as the trout, are all native to New Mexico.
Favorites and Other Oddballs
Doña Teodora – A small clay sculpture, created by the Mexican sculptor Teodora Blanca, was given to her by a friend. Intrigued, Rosemary researched the sculptor and learned she began working in clay at age six. Over time she created her own unique style which often included intricately decorated female and fantasy figures. According to a couple of friends who actually visited the sculptor, her studio was a small outdoor ramada within the family compound where she worked daily surrounded by children and animals.
Padre Tomas Feeds his Flock – The painting was inspired by a visit with a local sculptor, at a well-known marble quarry in Pietro Santo, Italy. Every day at 4:00 the priest would scatter bird seed in the garden while a multitude of pigeons flew in from all directions. The orange tree behind him represents a local legend of St. Dominic bringing orange trees to the region from Valencia, Spain.
St. Helena and the Cats – In the 4th century there was an island near Cyprus that was said to be so over-run with snakes it was uninhabitable. St. Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantin, asked to be given a boat so she could transport cats to the island and rid it of snakes. In the present day, the island has become a popular tourist destination with a monastery dedicated to cats.
Wild Onion Women – Once upon a time, Rosemary belonged to the Storytellers League. At each of their monthly meetings, one of the members told a story. One month a Monache Indian legend was shared about the creation of the Pleaides constellation. Rosemary loved the legend and ten years later, decided to do a painting.
Return of the Wild Onion Women…
Indeed, Rosemary loved the story so much she imagined what it might be like if the Onion Women returned to Earth… bringing their cat home with them.
…and Their Cat
(Knowing how much Rosemary loved the story, her cat Molly graciously agreed to pose for this painting.)
A Safe Place – In 1985, Rosemary rented an art studio downtown. She took the things in the painting with her to decorate her studio and then used them to paint a scene as it might have looked in front of the corner fireplace from her adobe casita.
Handmade in India, 1936 – In a little antique shop in Texas Rosemary found a pair of handmade shoes from India. The peacock feather is a reminder of a bouquet of peacock feathers her father purchased from a street vendor.
Girl with Heart in Hand – Rosemary was inspired by people who having survived hardship and trials in their lives, still remained joyful.
Two Mollys on a Dragon – When Rosemary’s niece, Molly, was a child she loved dragons. Molly was painted on a dragon surrounded by dragonflies. Also, on the dragon curled up and sleeping is Molly the cat who it seems was very tolerant of imaginary dragons.
Tree of Life – The Tree of Life is an icon found in many cultures and religions. Among its many meanings, it is sometimes used to represent an underlying unity and interconnectedness found within all forms of life.
Fleurs et Plumage (Flowers & Feathers) – Paintings of birds and flowers by the Canadian artist, Norman Laliberté, inspired Rosemary to create her own version.