In her Own Words

The backstory to this series is one of female sensuality, a powerful force, one that challenges the patriarchal hierarchy. It is spoken from a sensual female voice, confident in her value and worth both to herself and the society at large, not one of objectification. 

Females and female identifiers are too often shamed for their power, undermining their vitality and beauty. Sensuality can lead to sexuality, yet sensuality is a power in its own right.  

Fearing the power of female sensuality has encouraged society to deface and override its perceived threat with verbal and physical force. Female and female identifiers respond by policing themselves in regard to their body and the way their body is objectified in the world.

This work exposes the beauty masked behind the facade of self-protection by claiming ownership of strength and beauty as one navigates through the world. 

Process: I establish the shape of each character as a line drawing. Once I begin with the color and embroidery, each figure begins the journey of individualization. Each color or mark I make adds depth, dimension and emotion which creates a personality I am meeting for the first time. As I interact with the figures I am creating, their personalities develop and the work becomes a back-and-forth discussion; each layer adding to the dialogue.

Asian influence: I grew up with my mother’s collection of Asian art and artifacts. The graceful movements of Asian calligraphy spoke volumes to me. The narrative quality of Japanese woodblock prints brought me into a magical world. Not able to read the languages of the art, my reactions were visceral; a response to the rhythmic line and shapes. These works still hold power over me, and as an artist today, using Caucasian faces in my work breaks the narrative continuity.