"I believe it is important to understand the past in order to provide insight into the future. “Mother Earth, Father Time”, also affectionately referred to as “The Deacon and Deaconess”, pays homage to the maternal and paternal figures from my childhood; grandparents, great aunts, and uncles, 2nd cousins and elders, all of whom contributed to making up the whole of the community. Mother Earth sustained and nurtured me while upholding a standard of grace and beauty. Father Time gave provision and kept me informed and connected to the greater society. The decorative patterns give a context of place and time while offering flowers as a tribute. The couple does not represent anyone man or woman, but many whose contributions and efforts in daily life may have gone unrecognized." - Ayana Ross