Omphale, Queen of Lydia. Mixed Media- antique blotter paper, wax, cowhide, plastic, wood, India ink, gouache, burl wood.  13 x 23 x 13. Flexible base.  The outside surface is a female abdomen echoing the wings of a male Prepona Omphale butterfly.  
Omphale, Queen of Lydia. Back.  The inside expresses the Queen’s sexual feelings.
Omphale, Queen of Lydia. Back. Artist Book.  Omphale originates from Greek word omphalos,  which means navel. There are two ancient sculptural vessels--one in Delphi and another in Jerusalem--called omphalus that claim to be the center, or navel, of earth. My sculpture is a human calling: an invitation to the gods to be with us; it is as if Lydia were back on earth looking for her Hercules and her connection to the divine.  
Omphale Queen of Lydia. Inside. Opened Artist book. Story of Pan's visit to the couple.  The Queen was human; Herculus a god. They mingled the divine and the earthly. They had sex. Created children.
Omphale Queen of Lydia. Detail Artist Book. Apollinaire Poem, "Les Onze Mille Verges."   Artist book on back of sculpture contains this poem as well as stories about the erotic escapades of Omphale and Hercules.
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