Cavan

16”x20
Framed size- 24”x28”
Handpainted collage on canvas

From the ‘WallFlower’ Series

Meet Cavan - (comes from the Irish an Cabhán, meaning 'the hollow')

Cavan is a strong and independent woman who embraces her unique name and the meaning behind it. Despite feeling small in comparison to her surroundings, she knows that being "the hollow" means she has the potential to be filled with great things.

Since birth, being quiet was her solution to many situations. As she ages, she realizes that that there is a time and place when being quiet is the best solution.

But, sometimes, speaking up and walking away will alleviate the pain harsh words and opinions cause when they hollow out the parts of her skin that are not so thick.

Cavan may be small, but she is mighty and full of potential. She is a true inspiration to those around her and a reminder that sometimes the smallest things can have the biggest impact.

She is paired with her Demoiselle crane. They too are the smallest of all crane species and the second most abundant.

Often, it is the ones who appear small and quiet who have the strongest survival skills.

The term "wallflower" has often been used to describe someone who is shy or introverted and tends to blend into the background at social events. This is one of many words that is used unfairly towards mostly women as it implies that they are passive and uninteresting.

It reinforces the societal expectation that women should be outgoing and sociable, and if they are not, they are somehow deficient.