Lerma 5ft x 4 ft

We are one of the largest importers of domestic workers in this part of the world, yet many of us are guilty of not seeing them beyond being a mere worker in their household.

In this painting i seek to highlight the domestic worker, one who has left behind family, children, broken dreams and dared to live in a stranger’s home working all day.

Lerma once had a dream too but never to be a domestic worker. Due to her circumstances she had to leave everything behind and come here to work. The painting was done in 2 panels to show the past and the future. She works not living in the here and now, for she lives in a home which is not hers and looks after children that did not come through her.

Her thoughts of her past, frolicking in the fields with her favourite caribou supports her present while her heart remains in a future, a better future for her children.

The door in the background depicts the great divide. Although she lives in that home, the joy, happiness and love behind that door does not belong to her.