Take a Closer Look
Do you ever take a moment to marvel at a child in play? When they are so wrapped up in themselves and what they are doing, they forget all the filters, expectations and requirements we and society put on them. They are truly embodied in their authentic self.
When I began my therapeutic art journey a number of years ago, I realized that I was far from my authentic self. That little girl playing in the sandbox un-briddled was long gone. A new self was created some where along the way in the form of what society and my environment expected of me. Untrue and harmful narratives of women past and present created an internal narrative that held me back for believing in myself and my dreams. Talking to other women over the last several years have made me realize I was not the only one.
We often believe what society tells us we are, instead of asking;
“What is my authentic self?”
In my new series, “Take a Closer Look”, I have taken vintage papers of women from the 1890’s - 1940’s and woven through vibrant florals, with each piece challenging society’s narrative of women past and present. It brings women past into a more contemporary and complete view, showing complexity, resilience and tenacity that is often left out of society’s portrayal of women.
Each piece weaves in a new narrative of women from 1898 - 1940’s
Through the work, it causes us to question, how should we see women in history? How do we share a more complete historical view? And most importantly, how can we create a society and environments that develops helpful narratives allowing ourselves and the next generation of women to step into their authentic selves and not live in a story that society has created for them?
The new TAKE A CLOSER LOOK Series is available April 19, 2024. To view each piece, they are located here after this date.
