Updated: May 14, 2019
Elison Bay, Wisconsin USA
I am starting with the left triangular wall. This portion depicts Mertha Fulkerson, the first director of The Clearing School after founder Jen Jensen died. It is because of Mertha Fulkerson that the school survived during that crucial period. Today, The Clearing Folk School remains one of the most special educational retreats in the state and - dare I say - the world (for years my friend Marianne has traveled from The Netherlands to take week-long workshops).
For school followers, Mertha represents the heart of the school mission. For those of us who love the history and legacy of this place, she has achieved almost mythical status.
A lot of work has already gone into arranging the design so that it harmonizes with the wall’s shape. The personality of the subject is the most important component. Mertha’s expression, her body language, and her loom are meant to symbolize her weaving the many patterns of personal development and other gifts that she has she made possible.
And now, I have a very clear idea now of the composition and general flow of the mural.