This series is inspired by my sister; the truths she was ashamed to tell and the impact those secrets had on her life. 

 

The suppleness of sweet smoky beeswax, the intricacy of vintage lace, the weight of fired clay, the patina of reclaimed wood, the intrigue of industrial cast offs; all these sensory moments combine to tell the complex and empowering stories of women survivors. Survivors of abuse, addiction, poverty, discrimination, illness and loneliness. 

 

I tell their stories through my sculpture using so many complex and diverse elements because these women’s stories are complex and diverse; smooth, sweet, smoky, rough and intricate.  I write about each woman’s story along with a detailed description of what each component and texture in the work symbolizes.  This story is then attached to the piece under lock and key. 

 

I hide the story details to draw out impartial, untinged and raw reactions and emotions.   This is why I call this series of work “Secret She”.  I want the work to encourage dialog among women and about women to quietly strengthen understanding and compassion.