"Hand of Fatima" - Potsketch by Leslie Van Stavern Millar

Media: Guache painting on rag paper

Dimensions: 5x5"

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This series is inspired by my experience of living in Islamic cultures as a child and young woman. I was intrigued by the embellished and stylized images of hands I saw in the bazaars and souks of Iran and Libya. Fatima was the beloved daughter of the prophet Mohammed. The hands both symbolize her protective ability and attract good fortune. They also represent women's creative ability. The "Hand of Fatima" paintings are an effort to manifest positive energy within personal space and experience.

Leslie Van Stavern Millar II is an Independent Visual Artist who has been living and working in Western Montana since 1972.Leslie's rich life experiences inform her art and art making processes. As a child, Leslie lived for four years in Iran and traveled extensively with her family to Europe. Following graduation from Mount Holyoke College, she pursued her interest in art making, incorporating a scientific, investigative approach.

Leslie has a long record of showing in museums and galleries, both regional and national. Her art is included in numerous public and private collections, including the Federal Reserve Bank of Northwest U.S., the University of Montana, the Jundt Art Museum and the Missoula Art Museum. Leslie is the recipient of several Montana Arts Council Grants, five fellowships to the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and exhibition awards. Leslie takes a leadership role in advocating for public support and visibility for the arts in her community.