Loretta Mangano

Exeter, NH
“I Don’t Fold”
Artist Statement: Before I ever had a conversation with Ebonie, I kept having an image of a pinky-peach colored rose, which Ebonie later confirmed she always loved, especially the ones with orange tips. Peach colored roses represent gratitude, which is a constant theme for Ebonie.
As with all roses, for every petal, there is a thorn. Roses remind us that beauty often accompanies pain, love comes with vulnerability, joy and sorrow grow from the same stem. One of the petals on the left resembles an ear, as Ebonie heard and listened to the voice of her mother (who had passed away from breast cancer) telling her, “check your breasts.” Her mother is her North Star, as Ebonie is for her children. Spirits and souls on both sides of the veil are supporting Ebonie and all of us, whose voices and guidance are clear if we only listen.
The orange tips become flames of a Phoenix rising, because Ebonie has triumphed over so many challenges in her life, as she stated, “in choosing life, we have to sometimes walk through the fire.” The Phoenix rises only when it has completed a cycle of life and is willing to embrace the flames. The crown represents the royalty and sovereignty and power that Ebonie has come into through this experience in her life.
Many doors were closed to Ebonie during this journey as she sought support, so with her strong spirit and determination, she opened her own door, shining a light for all women; a triple jaguar represents her spirit animal showing her the many lives she has triumphed in one lifetime so far, that she is a teacher for many, and the name of her business, Prowl the Lab. On the door is Re3; her business is devoted to Educate, Empower, and Elevate others.
The tree and its roots represent Ebonie’s love for and devotion to her husband, children, and family, who are her strength. The butterfly is a personal symbol for Ebonie and her husband as well as, along with the Phoenix, a symbol of transformation emerging from her roots.
Ebonie is truly an inspiration, a soul sister, and a shining light for many. The twinkle in her eye and smile on her lips comes from one of Ebonie‘s remarks, “I want to put the twinkle back in women’s eyes and see them smile again,” and also represents her own hope, resilience, and intuitive vision.
The title of this piece, I Don’t Fold, are Ebonie‘s words that echoed through several of our conversations. “Many times I was faced with the choice to either fold or fight, and I don’t fold.”
I am so grateful for having made a lifetime friend in Ebonie, and for the honor to paint her story.
After it was completed, the life of the painting came out of the painting and into the world. I see it everywhere. Colors, shapes, symbols, all of it. The energy of Ebonie is everywhere
Ebonie’s message:
Believe in yourself. Remind yourself of the powerful agency no one can take from you. Don’t lose faith or become disillusioned. God has brought you this far and will not leave you. Hang in there and know there’s a reason and a vision that God has for you.