One of the unfairest types of shame is the social stigma called body shaming attached to obese people or to a lesser extent extremely thin people. We often compare ourselves as inferior to the slim and beautiful without really considering the real nature of the issues involved. As a large person I have often felt this way but in addition to mounting health issues I needed to do something about it. I believe the steps I have taken will result in a healthier and more confident person. It will be a long and hard journey but I have taken the first major steps.
For this quilt I first painted a length of fabric and then overprinted it with themoafax screens which were created as world clouds using many of the words and phrases describing body shaming
I also made screens of people in various stages of weight loss and overprinted these onto the fabric which I then cut up into individual blocks & pieced them together.
Once this was completed I traced some body shapes onto fused painted silk organza and fused them to the quilt top.
These were quilted first and then the background was free motion quilted.
Social Stigma
27″ x 40″
Hand painted fabric, thermofax screen printing, silk organza overlays, free motion quilting
Thank you all so much for your great comments – I really appreciate them and am pleased I have touched the nerves.
Lisa, it’s a wonderful quilt. Just as wonderful are the comments you’ve received. It’s especially sad to read the comments posted by people I know who are ashamed of their bodies–even when I think they are beautiful.
LISA, this is a brave quilt. I hear the same voice in my head. The older I get, the harder it is to lose weight. Maybe we should start a Weight Watchers group for art quilters to support each other. We spend so much time sitting!
Good idea. Or maybe even a did you get up and walk around alarm.
Great piece, and though we both took body shaming as our focus we ended up with such different pieces, coming from our own perspectives. I love that about our group, and how we tackle even the difficult themes successfully and with strong pieces.
I agree with you. This group is amazing.
A brilliant piece of art with so many layers of meaning. I especially appreciate how the largest figure is almost invisible – which is how we larger women can feel in society. A beautiful representation of a difficult subject. Thank you for sharing it and your journey.
isn’t that the truth, Aprille.
Amazing piece. Your body of work and techniques are an inspiration. Thank you.
Thank you Lisa, for picking up the dreadful Shame of the constant shaming of the imperfect body image. It’s been a part of me for most of my life. Only about three times within 63 years, I felt my body matched the image that resides inside my head. The shame over the body’s “shortcomings” is many times over reinforced by the choices of clothing available to the “imperfect” body. Nothing fits, it’s impractical, badly made and sometimes even hurts to wear what’s offered in stores.
I feel with you, and wholeheartedly hope you’re on your way to mend. Powerful piece of art!
Your quilt speaks to so many of us. It is so painful to feel “imperfect” even though that imperfection may exist only in our own minds. Your combination of words and images tell the story perfectly.
I have lived in your quilt story, and there is stigma and angst. Closed doors, discrimination, and loneliness are rampant in our world… and the truth is, all we have to do is understand and support. Your art is a strong and yet gentle reminder, and a voice that softly shares. Beautiful.
Thanks so much Bethany
Well put!