This is another self-portrait as my alter-ego medusa. This image also appears in the painting titled, “The Temptation of the Penitant Medusa.”

In Hebrew tradition, Lilith is said to be Adam’s first wife, cast out of the Garden of Eden and ruler of all wild animals. There are loose associations with the half female, half serpent in the Garden of Eden being Lilith or a type of demon. Here I have Lilith in a happier role of protector over god’s creations and particularly of those associated with Easter. I like the idea that perhaps this evil woman can be rehabilitated.

This painting makes me uncomfortable! Reminiscent of Balthus, a little girl sits in a chair, however, she is imitating the “Oroboros” a symbol of a snake eating it’s own tail. This powerful alchemical symbol has been used for thousands of years to symbolize self-regeneration and immortality. However, when a child “eats herself” it is the destruction of youth and the corruption of innocents as might befall one of tender years after their introduction to carnal knowledge.