Thank you:

First off, I would just like to thank Jerry Uelsmann-he is the reason I learned Photoshop (even though I understand he doesn't use Photoshop himself). I discovered his work in a 12-month calendar while I was in high school (over a decade ago) and was hooked. I am now working as a "photographer"- although I have recently begun to realize that I actually enjoy the artistry of digital composition more than the photographic process itself...So thanks both to Jerry and Studio 360 for bringing this to my attention. I look forward to learning more about Maggie's work as well.

About the image:

Originally I intended to use the character in this image to create a feeling of empowerment for young women undergoing chemotherapy: This photo was one of many that I created while coming up with an album design for the band Florence + The Machine. I ended up using a different image for the final album (which was auctioned-off to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust) so I am happy to resurrect this design in a completely different context.

Originally this character in this image was inspired by Klimt's "Pallas Athene", however, with the addition of the statue-head inside the helmet, I am reminded of another work by Klimt: "Judith I, in which Judith holds up the head of Holofernes.

I'm not sure how I feel about this image yet. What do you think? At the moment I'm thinking it lies somewhere between a poster for a "renaissance super-hero" and the expression "the calm before the storm."

Frances