THE MATRIARCH

The origin

The Matriarch began with Unannounced Authority, a crowned spotted hyena. Hyenas are often portrayed as chaotic or lesser animals, yet female spotted hyenas lead their societies with unquestioned authority.

After nearly 29 years in local government, I understood the experience of contributing steadily while still feeling underestimated. The hyena—misunderstood, underestimated and powerful—became a deeply personal symbol.

The crown and the hyena

The crown does not give her power. It represents power remembered.

In A Reminder, a bonobo gently adjusts the hyena’s crown. She is not granting authority; she is recalling what the hyena already carries.

The symbolism of teal

When I was a child, my older brother and I played a game we called “King of the Couch.” Whenever I wore a teal sweatshirt, I felt certain I would win. While creating The Matriarch, that memory returned and teal began appearing throughout the paintings.

Teal represents the self that knew its worth before disappointment, expectations or being underestimated taught it to question that knowledge.

It is one thing to be underestimated by others. The greater danger is when we begin to underestimate ourselves.

The animals in The Matriarch do not wait for permission to embody strength, intelligence, wisdom or authority. Their power already exists.