Independent Final

Body Image Suffocation

Intention:

My intention for my final was to create a textile sculptural piece. Since I did my encoded cloth project as a garment, I wanted to push myself to combine more skills. In this piece, I intended to create a sculptural piece that would be almost like an installation. The theme behind it is my feelings about body image in America and how suffocating it can be to be a woman in this world. I chose a neutral yellow satin to represent high fashion as well as yellow and red tull. The final detailing would be in pink sparkly fabric.

Process:

I got the materials for the sculpture, which included wire mesh, canvas, and a mask. I hand sculpted the body onto the canvas, securing it with duct tape and using cut-proof gloves to protect my hands. After the body was created, it was stuffed with paper and I used paper-mache on top of it to create a more sturdy base to wrap the fabric around. I then stapled the yellow satin around the canvas to keep it secure. The next layer was the yellow and red tulle. The red tulle specifically went over the mouth and torso to represent the restriction of voice and reproductive rights in this country. Furthermore, I hand-made and sewed fabric roses onto the body to represent the censoring and sexualization of the female body. Lastly, I added pink roses to draw the eye around the body and to hint at the “pretty in pink” stereotype.

Learning:

I learned a lot from this project, including form and craftsmanship. I also learned how to make a provocative piece without blatantly “stating” or making an obvious message. I gained a meaningful critique about how to create a figure that may not look dead by including the limbs a bit more. I felt as thought my message came across in a powerful way and I learned how to blend clothing-making and sculpture!