One of my latest illustrations is “Unseen,” a thought-provoking piece of feminist art. It challenges societal norms and brings to light the often unnoticed contributions of women in a patriarchal society. This black-and-white illustration is a testament to the strength and roles of women. The creation of “Unseen” was inspired by my commitment to advocating for equal rights and my desire to raise a strong, independent daughter. The artwork features the word "women" spelled out in braille, symbolizing how society is often blind to women’s power, potential, and contributions. The idea underscores the invisible yet profound impact women have in various aspects of life. Each of the dots making up the word further contains symbolism that communicates key aspects about women and their experience in our culture.
- Life Buoy: Represents women's role in providing support and rescue, particularly in family contexts.
- Steering Wheel: Symbolizes women's guidance and direction in various spheres, often without recognition.
- Clock: Highlights the societal pressures women face regarding aging and the struggle to adhere to impossible beauty standards. Also see my illustration "Time Flies" and "This Too Shall Pass".
- Yin-Yang: Demonstrates the balance women bring to communities and families. Also see my illustration "Scattered Senses"
- Gear: Depicts women's integral role in the smooth functioning of societal systems, an often invisible “cog in the machine.”
- Moon: Reflects on the cyclical nature of women's lives and how they are often seen as too emotional. Also see my illustration "Lavender Moon"
- Earth: Emphasizes the nurturing aspect often attributed to women, akin to "Mother Earth." Also see my illustration "Mother Tree".
- Eye: Represents the expectation for women to be observant and attentive, aware of everything around them, especially in domestic roles. Also see my illustration "Hidden Awareness"
- Diamond: Illustrates the resilience and strength women develop under pressure and how their suffering often makes them shine more brightly. Also see my illustration "Empress"
- Bullseye: Highlights women's intuition and perceptiveness and how, over the years, they have been taught to ignore that gut instinct to make them easier to control.
- Compass: Symbolizes women's quiet influence in guiding moral and ethical directions. Also see my illustration "Compass, Compassion, Passion".
- On Button: Addresses societal attitudes towards women's sexuality - how they are often shamed for being too sexual but also criticized for not being sexual enough.
The poem I wrote to accompany "Unseen" further reflects these ideas:
“pushing yourself off the paper
we possess you
fingers feeling,
lingering on texture
that shapes your name
stand there
unseen
let us read you with
eyes closed
turn you on and then
question the light
reflecting off natural rock
shaped mercilessly when found
obscured except at night
carrying the tides of
second, subject, submissive
a world unseen
spoken in silence
suffocated by scripture and society
navigating out of
the womb of your retribution
grasping the buoy with
fists raised
above the surface
we owe the world to you
guiding love toward the
deep multitudes
of your heart
your strength steers the world
towards the target
shifting into a place
where time is born
watching, waiting, wanting”
"Unseen" calls for acknowledging and appreciating women's hidden efforts and strengths. It aims to give recognition where it is due, provoke thought, and inspire change. I would love to hear your interpretations and reflections on this piece and what it means to be a woman, or love a woman, in today's world.