Vessels – Art of the Feminine is an installation project that explores the female form as a vessel, symbolizing both strength and societal expectations placed on women’s bodies. Through these stitched vessels, arranged to mimic an archelogical dig with ancient ceramic pots and urns, the work examines and critiques the pressures of conformity and the historical framing of women’s identities.
Initially inspired by two residencies in Greece and one in Sardinia, where I visited museums and saw how many of the pots/urns/vessels resembled female form and indeed, at times included breasts, arms and legs, I wanted to explore that concept in a textile and stitch modality. I experimented extensively with a variety of forms, each one having structural issues as I grew the size, I finally settled on using plaster bandages as the form.
Using vintage linens and dyeing them to resemble the tints and hues of terracotta pot I incorporated symbols, stitch and related items such as buttons and beads; wanting to use objects that relate to the female experience from the most early times.
Each of the large vessels address the female/human experience, three central pieces, one representing water – the source of all life – flowing, a well, source. A second explores birth – the beginning, a promise, potential. And finally, a broken urn in white, open and left empty – the phrase “I am not here” repeatedly stitched inside.
And by contrasting these historical forms with modern representations of women's experiences, I hope to create a platform for addressing contemporary issues such as gender expression, personal and physical autonomy, and women’s empowerment.
One titled MMIW looks at the tragedy of missing and murdered indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI people with an outline of red dresses denoting May 5th as a National Awareness Day https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/
A second vessel was very difficult to create – but, I felt, essential to this project. I have never been or know anyone touched by FGM (female genital mutilation) but it strikes at the deepest part of my heart as a woman and mother. The loss of power, body autonomy and decision making for young girls and teens – is beyond a tragedy. You can read more about the ongoing fight to eradicate this practice - https://equalitynow.org/the-global-movement-to-end-fgm/
Lest the viewer thinks that these larger vessels are only created with pain and evil, the third one I consider celebratory – growing up in the 60-70’s conversations about menstruation were usually whispered, ill informed and given unpleasant connotations. To me (perhaps because I am post-menopausal) our monthly cycle of potential/loss should be honoured, without menses, flux, period, flewsa or red week – we would not exist.
The groups of smaller vessels have become an important sharing activity as I gathered groups of women of my community and created stitched words that were attached on the vessels. We discussed our ideas, experiences and emotions at different points in our lives which explored both the internal and external expectations of being female. I see Vessel: Art of the Feminine as a growing project and I hope to spend time with each exhibition space engaging with others in a similar way. This would ensure a continuing experience of connection and community.
Are you interested in taking part? Email me susanpm@shaw.ca and I will get you involved – all are welcome.
I've been honoured to have some video taken of my Artist Talk at the Craft Council of BC. In the video I explain the early history of the project and some of my thoughts as I worked: https://youtu.be/gEi23XnWaE8?si=8EnVwP-KvpgTYCZk
Additionally, I have added information about my residency in Sardinia which defined my approach to these vessels. I also discuss the residency experience which many find very interesting.
Link on the photo to the right.
Regards, Susan
