Feminism
The large-scale drawing Whalebone Corset began a visual exploration into the historical context of women, how they are viewed within a society and influenced by cultural cues. The ongoing series has expanded to include the use of found objects and collage. Future work is planned to continue the journey and articulation of personal emotions surrounding this subject.
Whalebone Corset (Graphite, 59 x 40) This first artwork of feminist exploration was inspired by a vintage photograph of a group of women who appeared to be relaxed and confident with each other while also obviously being controlled by suffocating, late-18th-century clothing such as corsets. Deeper elements include the idea of exploiting the natural world (the whaling industry) to fill the perceived need of fashionable clothing trends.
And She Opened Her Mouth… (Collage and assemblage, 17.75 x 18.25 x 13) Magazine clippings of advertising featuring a common female modeling pose were gathered and collaged into a child’s toy wardrobe box made for doll clothing. The poetic lines, “And she opened her mouth, ever so slightly, as if to say something” are suspended within the surrounding visual, inviting viewers to rethink how a sexually suggestive pose intended for selling material products might also be considered the beginning of important and valuable conversation.