Allison Pryor
I Have Nothing Left to Give
"I Have Nothing Left to Give" explores the profound sacrifice of motherhood, where mothers often lose their entire sense of self for their children, who remain blissfully unaware of the depth of that loss. This dynamic mirrors the relationship between humanity and Mother Nature. The Earth provides endlessly for us—its resources, beauty, and life itself—yet humanity continues to exploit and take without acknowledgment or gratitude. Through interconnected imagery, this work juxtaposes the silent sacrifices of human mothers with the destruction of the natural world. It serves as a reminder that both forms of giving are finite, and unless we learn to appreciate, respect, and nurture what sustains us, we risk consuming everything until nothing remains. This painting is both a tribute and a warning, calling for recognition and prevention before it's too late.
The concept that drives my work is eco-feminism, which intertwines my lived experiences as a woman under capitalism and patriarchy with my admiration for the natural world. Throughout my life, I have turned to Mother Nature for solace, guidance, and adoration, whether in moments of peace or in times of distress and anger. The beauty of the earth has always captivated me, offering a source of inspiration and reflection. However, just as I have felt as a woman, I see the world suffering under the same forces—exploited, commodified, and rapidly deteriorating under capitalism. This dual struggle fuels my artistic practice, compelling me to create work that sheds light on these injustices while celebrating the resilience and power of both women and nature. Through my art, I seek to unravel the connections between environmental degradation and the marginalization of women, highlighting how these systems of control are deeply intertwined.
My artistic process is one of exploration and experimentation, spanning multiple mediums, including oil paint, acrylic paint, spray paint, soft sculpture, screen printing, and 3D work. I use my art as a way to delve into my subconscious, allowing myself to uncover strange and sometimes dark creations that challenge conventional perspectives. My goal is to evoke curiosity, to make viewers stop in their tracks and question what they are seeing. I want my work to linger in their minds, prompting them to search for meaning in the unsettling, the beautiful, and the unknown.