Imperfect: Braille Installation, 2006
Before our thoughts have even formed themselves, others begin to mold them for us. Adults teaching us what they found true for themselves. It is the job of each individual to then decipher the maps and languages used to guide them, yet which are foreign to their own experiences.As a child, the social maps we follow are very complex but ultimately said the same thing, "a woman's value is in perfection". Yet, as an adult the idealized world holds or should hold no appeal. In the pursuit of idealization there are no answers.
This inspired my current work that focuses on shallow vessels. Idealized women and ancient writings are encased in resin: visible, but untouchable. A distance constantly maintained, but never crossed between the viewer and the work.
In keeping with the idea of clear, but unreadable messages, I have chosen to hang the images in Braille. The work builds together as a discussion of how one builds throughout ones life: a pattern develops like a dance, arresting images of perfection flash by, yet filled with details slightly askew. The combination is striking and complete and yet if you understood the words you would know it was... imperfect.
