Notorious Newtowners WISH #5

Description

Media Type

Image

Item Type

Photographs

Description

The Notorious Newtowners were inspired by the many Hindu gods that are described with multiple heads and arms. Every Hindu god with many arms has multiple qualities with immense strength of the power. Kali, Durga, Devi, are all examples of multi armed goddesses that represent motherly protective power, love, and nurturing. We felt that they embody many of the aspects of women through the ages, taking on many roles, from nurturing mother to fierce fighter, and so much more. We decided to represent our own idea of the Modern Day Earth Mother Goddess for this WISH Assignment.

We have portrayed some of those roles through our costume and pumpkins. Our roles range from cook, counsellor, confidant, professional teacher, gardener, taxi driver, accountant, and caregiver of our families (children, grandchildren, elderly parents). The tree of life carved on the pumpkin represents, our roots growing deeply in our community and our multiple branches reaching out wide and far. Sarah, in front, is wearing a crown with images of many Hindu goddesses with multiple arms. Ann is lovingly holding pumpkins of a baby and an old lady, two of the generations that many women care for.

The photo is taken in the Newton Robinson Cemetery, beside the Tec We Gwill WI Hall. In the setting we selected for the photo, we are beside the tombstone of John Merrick, who was the Grandfather of Bernice Ellis. This is significant because Bernice was one of our first members of our Tec We Gwill WI. Her Grandfather, John Merrick designed, and was involved in the building of the Newton Robinson United Church situated beside the Tec We Gwill Hall.

Notes

Submission part of the WISH challenge for WI's 125th anniversary.

Date of Publication

Oct 2022

Subject(s)