My sustained investigation explores the female experience and the role women play in society, both in the past and present. I used collage to convey these ideas and experimented with various techniques such as tape transfer, gel transfer, and incorporating other mediums like drawing and printmaking. In doing so, I broadened my artistic horizons. As I created more pieces, I became more intentional with the selection of imagery and overall meaning of each collage. I reflected on my experiences as a young woman to generate the intent of each work. 

 

Each collage depicts womanhood in its own way. As I continued to produce my pieces, I gained inspiration from many artists including Ashley Blanton and Lorna Simpson, two female artists who share similar themes and techniques to me. Blanton’s works inspired Suffocation and Simpson inspired Thank You. Initially, my concentration was on emotions society expects women to suppress; however, it gradually morphed into the experiences that cause such emotions. Thank You portrays built-up anger stemming from the societal expectation of constant politeness. Similarly, Are You Listening? illustrates the frustration of constantly being dismissed by men and feeling unheard. These shared experiences unite and connect all women.