Cyanotypes - Lucy's Pillowtalk

Artist Statement:

Inspired by the dichotomy of the vision of my vivacious, bombshell blonde grandmother and the reality of her battle with chronic pain, this work chronicles the driving need in women to appear perfect and to embrace their sensuality, in a world that is anything but perfect.

Lucy, a successful author and entrepreneur, lived a life that appeared to be near perfect. Her world could be falling apart, and she’d still look flawless in gold lamé, stunning jewelry, furs and fancy hats with her tender, soft voice and infectious laugh.  She epitomized sexy. It wasn’t until I read her autobiography that I truly understood the depth of her battle with horrendous chronic back pain, multiple spinal surgeries and a very tough upbringing. I was drawn to her recounting a childhood humiliation that made her promise herself to only wear the most beautiful undergarments for the rest of her life and eventually own her own store. This was the store I so vividly remember visiting as a youngster where she gifted me my first black teddy with rhinestones down the front and a pair of black marabou feather pumps. This was Lucy’s Pillowtalk. 

Each of my pieces examines the everyday while being transparent to what we hide beneath and paired with words from my grandmother’s autobiography. This work reflects so much of my similar turmoil owning myself as a sensual being as I deal with chronic pain, life as an overworked single mom, overcoming past trauma and the constant battle of wanting to hide how hard things can be behind an air of perfection.