Mary Janes

L to R: Tacit in Blue, 31x25x24 in.;   Acquiescence in Yellow, 31x28x22 in.;   Pink, 20x15x15 in.;   Olive, 36x27x27 in.

Mary Janes

Mary Janes sculptures are inspired by the cultural pressures felt by many, but particularly women, whose stifling restrictions permeate into all the physical spaces of their world. Created from found figurines and garden statues, typical of mid 20th century material culture, partially wrapped with assorted threads to conceal parts of their bodies. Using both kitsch and nostalgia to express the nullification of identity.  The bulbous coverings restrict access to the figurines—their faces in particular—keeping both viewers and subjects in the dark and representing the suppression of the female voice.  

Top L to R:  Thought Blizzard, 4x3x3 in., found figurine, linen thread - 2018;   Caroline is a Work in Progress, 7.5x5x5 in., found figurine, assorted threads - 2018;   Skirting the Issue, 6x4x4 in., assorted threads - 2018;  Dancing Machines I, II, each 7x5x5 in. - 2020;  Primped, 13x8x8.5 in., found figure, assorted threads - 2018; 

Bottom:  Shhhhh...., 7x5x6 in., assorted threads - 2018;   How Things Stack Up, 9x8x8.75 in., assorted fibers, plastic shoes - 2019;   Reach, 5x4x5.5 in., found figurine, mixed fibers - 2019;  Ladylike II, 10.5x11x10 in. - 2020;  Apple of My Eye, 10x5.5x5.5 in., found figurine, mixed fibers - 2019