Returning to center. Returning to the root of my maternal ancestors. I’ve been writing a Sunday morning group text to my kids for a while now, and most recently have begun telling our family story, member by member, starting with their great-grandmothers and including old photos I have. Last Sunday’s text was about my mom, her story from what I know, and what she had told me about. I wish I had asked more questions. I do know though, what a strong group of women there are in my maternal lineage, no question there. This all started another line of thought as I signed a painting that I’ll say is done. I’ve been signing my work, photography and paintings, with my hyphenated maiden paternal and married surnames. A huge explosion went off in my head this last week as to why in god’s name I would not use my grandmother’s surname! It still rankles that I would not have thought of this a few years ago. I begin now, to publicly honor her and all of the incredible women that have come through her; the Vidaurri women.
I understand your sudden regrets about not using a name from your maternal line. If I were a woman I’d feel that.
In my own writing I adopted my mother’s maiden name as a nom de plume. It was partly thinking about my mother (who had been a Looker before marriage) but partly also a tribute to her father, after whom I had been named John.
But this shows just how difficult it is to trace names back along the maternal line.
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I love that you used your mother’s maiden name as your nom de plume. I do really see now your point about tracing names back along the maternal line. And I wonder how many artists incorporate that in to their signature.
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I love the artwork and the story behind it. I wish you many successes in your new firm. Greetings from Mallorca
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Hola, José Manuel. Thank you so much, I plan to make it my new normal. The name, Vidaurri, originates in Spain. Good to hear from you.
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Hindsight is always so good. I like the orange-yellow colors. Looks festive.
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Thanks, TG. Sweet hindsight, sigh. The painting is indeed a celebration. More on that later.
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