Matertera: The Sisters of the Mothers

In 2013, Artist Jennifer Nagle Myers, partnered with R Press to create an Artists’ Book inspired by the powerful role of the Auntie. The book includes four original lithographs printed on hand dyed Torinoko Paper. The edition is comprised of fifteen books, five artist’s proofs and one printer’s proof. Lithographs were printed by James Miller at Downstairs Editions. The publishing, book design and binding is by R Press.

Matertera means “maternal aunt” in Latin, and the work is inspired by the sisters of the mothers (and fathers) who are acrobats, magicians, lovers, confidantes, friends, believers, companions, adventurers, and divine mysteries. The artist made the book in dedication to her dearest Aunt Patti who had just passed over and to my Aunt Marguerite who was just turning 100.

The artist considers this project a dedication to the women, related by blood or by friendship, alive or now as ancestors, who surround and inspire us to keep the flame burning, carry the torch, illuminate the way.