Mother/Martyr
2021
Wax, metal, mixed textiles,
70x50x36 inches

Mother/Martyr sits in a Pieta pose. However, instead of a mother figure holding a child, my piece features the two figures of the same size and shape. The mother figure has heat treated textiles embedded on the surface and is covered with multiple layers of wax, which leave a crater-like texture. The “child” figure is covered in cream felt that has been manipulated to create many different textures. Hand embroidered onto the felt are crispy and melted heat-treated textiles in a variety of pale, soft colors. The child lies in the mother figure’s lap, limp with loose doll joints. I associate these figures with the mother and victim archetypes (connected with the root chakra); the mother nurtures and comforts, but the child/victim must learn from her experiences in order to grow, become stronger and help others. By valuing herself she can transcend the victim archetype and develop into the empress archetype. If she is unable to do this, the victim becomes the martyr, someone believes they are not worthy of happiness and has a life full of suffering and negativity.