This is a very personal piece for me although I hope it can stand in for many personal experiences people have. I am 6 feet 0.5 inches tall (or 184 cm), and that is fairly tall for a woman. From when I was a teenager, I stood out, whether I wanted to or not. Mostly, I didn’t want to, and still don’t, as I’m more of an introvert type. I have learned to live with it, and I have a good number of funny tales to tell about encounters with strangers and their remarks about my height.
Being ashamed of my height was not necessarily the overwhelming emotion, sometimes it was just embarrassment or inconvenience. My family is tall, I didn’t feel out of place there, and in my school most people were just used to it. But of course, I had my fair share of nicknames like “beanpole” or “giraffe”. So yes, sometimes I was ashamed and tried to make myself smaller, not standing up straight, slouching and staying in the background.
Often, my height is a positive thing and brings advantages. I don’t mind reaching into the higher shelves of the grocery store to help people. But the uninvited stares, intrusive and personal questions and unsolicited remarks – often just curious or well meaning – do not cease with age. Although, the question about whether I play basketball seems to have disappeared in my middle age (no, I was never athletic).
My piece depicts this feeling of standing out, being ashamed of it, not conforming to the norms of society and being singled out for it. I also would like to think it can stand for every person that gets singled out and feels alone, embarrassed and ashamed, be it because of body shaming or other reasons.
Singled Out
Regina Marzlin
Dimensions: 40″ x 27.5″
Material: cotton, acrylic paint, thread, embroidery floss
Technique: gel plate mono printing, direct painting, thread lace appliqued, machine- and hand stitched
Regina, this is indeed a personal quilt, and I admire your willingness to share. I am very moved, but even more importantly, you’ve pulled it off with the perfect artistic touch.
Deb, that is so interesting that you would have a physical reaction to this! Thanks so much for your comments, I’m pretty happy with how it turned out.
The pose of your tall figure conveys the sense of shame perfectly. My shoulders, which are ever scrunched up to my ears (stress) reflexively sag each time I view your piece. Your “fragile” lace is brilliant.
My dear friend…you have been given the gift of being closer to touching the stars…
I think we all experience those spaces of personal vulnerability. For me, contracting polio on my family’s emigration to Canada, and having to adjust to the limitations from the handicap remaining, but it became the mantra for “I can even swim, train horses, carry my children etc. with just my left arm.” The other episode was the elementary school life where I was dubbed “Kraut” due to my German-ness (a people that weren’t popular after Hitler). I befriended the other alienated little girl, a Japanese child. We adapt and win if we can make the best out of these challenges. Petra
Petra, thank you for your poetic comment! I admire your spirit and adaptability through adverse circumstances, I certainly did not have so negative experiences.
Petra, your poetry and sensitivity shine through. I didn’t know the story of your disability, and feel privileged that you have shared. From your friend.
Beautiful work Regina.
Thanks so much Dianne!
Regina, I always wanted to be taller… and especially as a player on my HS/college basketball teams. I understand the angst for different reasons, and I celebrate your stature and beautiful, strong presence in our world! Awesome artwork…
Thanks so much, Bethany! I guess we all have our own insecurities but need to be aware of hurtful comments.
This is lovely. I am so happy you were not badly shamed about your height and had the grace to accept comments without shame. I think most of us “average” height people would love to be a little taller! I love your sketchy thread technique in this piece. It gives it a lightness that helps convey your easy approach to what might might have been hurtful.
Thank you, Terry! I also meant for the thread lace to convey the vulnerability and fragility of all people involved in this. But I’m glad to hear you read it as lightness, it certainly fits that way, too.