Clay and oxides. 18x15x11 inches. 15 pounds.

A modern take on the classic "woman in a reverie" theme. Traditionally, these were portraits of elegant, beautiful women staring off into space. Perhaps a book hung limply from the delicate fingers. Lost in a dream, these women were available for looking at. And it's good for all of our egos to think they must be dreaming about us!

Examining them is sort of like watching strangers on the subway. It is only impolite to look at people when they are looking back at you and catch you at it, after all. With their gaze turned away from the viewer, we can dissect them at our leisure.

In contrast, this woman has not paused in the midst of some refined pursuit, nor is she elegantly displayed in a gossamer gown. She is doing the dishes in her practical and sexless fleece jacket. (Redgoat, the logo on her fleece, is a brand of industrial kitchen garbage disposals.) She has stopped and turned her attention away from the task at hand, but seems more resigned than dreamy. She is looking across the room at the husband or child who is too busy enjoying himself to help her.

In our post-feminist age, the average teenager girl still does 2 hours a week more chores than her brother.

This piece can be displayed outside, but will need a sheltered winter home out of the ice and snow.