Confined – (of a space) restricted in area or volume; cramped.
Historically, women have been confined in their dress: corsets, full length and long-sleeved dresses, layers of undergarments, neck rings, and face coverings to name a few.
Lately, I have been particularly drawn to corsets because my studio is located in a renovated old corset factory in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The corset makers of Crown Corset Factory who worked here in the early 20th century have become my muses, and images of women making corsets throughout history — from the 1700s into the 1900s — have seeped into my daily routine.
Confined is a new series of my work that will explore body jewelry, or wearable metal art, using the historic references of corsets, face coverings, collars, and other ways women hid or were required to hide themselves. In the 18th century, for example, women were expected to cover their ankles and elbows because they were considered sexual. Even today, women are forced to or expected to wear hijabs and burquas to cover their faces.
I am currently working on a modern-day metal corset to be worn on top of clothing, reversing the layer to create the sex appeal of a confined woman who has the confidence to show it.
