Artist's Comments:
The one-eyed woman symbol evolved from the earlier 'Bathtub series' from 1980-81, which explored the issue of identity. The viewer, the object viewed and the artist who created the image become one experiencer.
The One-Eyed Woman Series was first exhibited at the Ace Art Gallery in Winnipeg in 1984. There are about 10-12 other prints that were part of this series not represented here.
Comments on the Cyclopean reference
My use of the One-eyed woman symbol was not consciously related to the male cyclops figure found in Greek mythology, often associated with violence, obedience and fear. My interpretation of the One-eye evolved from a personal search for truth, connectivity and unity. Yet where they are similar is in their association with the divine element.
According to the interpretations of Greek mythology I have read, the male cyclops is considered to be the first creation of the Gods, and therefore closest to them. This is on some level similar to mine in that the one-eye or one "I" is close, even synonymous with the One Being, God, the creator, which is within all forms. Within the ego or individual being there seems to be two; ourselves and the other, but in reality it is all one consciousness.
Ultimately, to get beyond the shock of the senses and the baggage of cultural interpretation, we must go into the higher intellect to get to the truth or to the essence of identity. When one lives knowing reality in it's essence, then one starts on the path to self-realization. The thought processes that went into creating this one-eyed woman series was one of many steps leading me towards the highest goal on a soul level: to realize the Absolute Oneness with All That Is. Thankfully I didn't let the male cyclops symbol keep me back! I now see the male cyclops as an esoteric gateway of sorts and only the fearless and innocent can pass!
The male cyclops figure (to me) is a symbol of the taboo against knowing who you really are (Alan Watts; Zen Buddhistm). It was fashioned historically at a time of poverty, brutality and obedience to a patron or an external master. My female cyclops is a symbol of the rebel, going beyond fear towards the quest for self-knowledge.
As the world has progressed towards more self-awareness, the negative association of the cyclops has been diminished. Contemporary images have now been collectively embraced as less menacing and fearful. For example, in the recent "Monsters" movie by Disney, the one-eyed character is seen as just another working stiff (a Scare Assistant).
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