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Judith Connelly
Placentia, Ca

Using the wax resist method, Judith Connelly creates colorful and symbolically meaningful eggs. This traditional folk art dates back to primitive man, who considered eggs to be revered and not merely decorated, hence the patterns placed on them were considered "written" and not applied. The symbols and colors used on the egg were taken from the earth and prepresented fertility, strength, prosperity and many other things desired by man.

Each egg was "written" with the intent of giving it to a particular person who may have had a special need. For example, a newly wedded woman may have been given an egg written with the symbols of fertility. An egg written correctly was thought to have mystical powers and was often carried as a benevolent talisman.