Re-Entry

It took 3 months from start to finish, but my final images just came back from the photographer and I'm so excited to finally share the finished product! There were lots of bumps with this first piece in my newest series, including the use of new materials and a machine to help with the cutting. Long story short, I ended up having to cut all the metal by hand which takes a LOT longer than paper. I had to cut, flatten, then score each individual metal scale and feather. The flattening was precarious as it had to be done just right or you could scrape the soft metal.

After the initial disappointments throughout the process the great lesson I'm taking with me is that this is not going to be a body of work with a definitive timeline for a while. It may take a few more pieces before I can adequately gauge how long this will all take. This is hard for me as I am very deadline driven with all my work. I've resolved that because this body of work is so personal and I want it to be something that I can really feel impressed with as well as push myself to utilize all my vision and resources, it can't be rushed.

This piece is about re-entering the world after sexual assault. How do you reclaim your body, soul, spirit and your sexual being? How do you bring yourself back to the act without re-living the trauma each time? This piece is about the process it takes to pick up those pieces, work through them and start over by reclaiming your sexual identity.

Re-Entry - Cut and Folded Paper, Cut and Folded Metal, Deer Jaw Bone, Quartz Crystal on Wood Panel