Signs and symbols

Rita Angus held a cigarette as a sign of her independence in 1936. I wasn't sure what my image should hold. Things that signify women's independence? Ummm. Birth control devices? In 1923 Gerda Overbeck drew a woman buying a contraceptive douche over the shop counter. She called it 'Prostitute'. A pretty amazing picture when you think of it. When I suggested holding condoms Greta was amused and suggested something more personal.

I had almost finished my painting and still I couldn't decide. Then I told the story of the greenstone Koru to Alison and she said 'well you could use the Koru in your painting'.
The Koru. Perfect, just what I was after. Thank you ladies.