She Who Devours

“She Who Devours" 24 x 24” Acrylic on canvas Eric Esparza   Artist Statement: “She Who Devours” uses pastel colors, often associated with delicacy and femininity, juxtaposes the imagery of the mouth and moth. The mouth is a symbol of both nourishment and destruction, representing the dual nature of strength.  I work in a female dominated industry as a nurse. I’ve seen an 8 month pregnant ICU nurse perform chest compressions on a dying patient and 115lb surgeon stand toe to toe with a 6’ disgruntled man. She did not blink. She did not waiver. My nursing school mentor was a 5’4 stout, short haired, veteran trauma nurse who loved wearing pink. Fellow nurses, EMTs, and doctors would immediately make room for her as she came rushing into a trauma bay to intervene on newly arrived patient in crisis. She could make the mountains bend to her presence if she wished it. Society holds the misconception that danger or authority is inherently male. My artwork is to emphasize the overlooked