In Sickness and In Health, 2022

‘In Sickness and In Health’ 2022. Acrylic, charcoal and chalk on canvas. 120 x 120cm. I have such an attachment to this piece. When I first started, I knew I had to create on the inside, I knew it was this part of me which needed to be recogni...

‘In Sickness and In Health’ 2022. Acrylic, charcoal and chalk on canvas. 120 x 120cm. I have such an attachment to this piece. When I first started, I knew I had to create on the inside, I knew it was this part of me which needed to be recognised. The front, I didn’t know would impact me in such a way. It was supposed to be yet another pleasant cover. Instead, I created a spokesperson of the woman inside, and upon completion, there was only a feeling of which is comparable to intense, deep love. I cried for 10 minutes straight after photographing. I gave myself room to speak. For a while I felt this disconnect with my work, meaning there was a disconnect within myself. The Play/Pause series is about connecting with one’s womanhood and reclaiming, developing innate sensuality and playfulness. I didn’t realise how far the penny dropped in the well. To become, you must listen and accept the shadow to make way for light. Nothing and everything is perfect. I almost called this piece ‘The Longest Marriage’, as the longest relationship anyone has with anyone, is with the self. But society has a habit of adding a male narrative where women create sacred spaces. - This is where the meat of the land lies. You’ve dressed her in parts heavy Bought her near edge of cliffs Ready to throw overboard All before, there’s been given a chance To hear her say The most important parts of all The ocean we breathe to sea which drifts Feeds the rock we stand on Undress, speak clearly and cry We never knew the land could be So different This poem is written on the back of another piece. However felt right that both pieces are paired. One feels like an arrival of the other.