I purport that for some of us the female body operates as an Image-Object. Image refers to the way in which superficial appearances are constructed towards an idealized fantasy self by means of everyday beauty regimens and ritualized dressing practices. This body becomes an Object as it is put into motion, walking talking and being in a public space, by being looked at, as historically looking has objectified the female body. If we hold true that we, who identify as Image-Objects, are in fact engaging in a Self-Performance, the boudoir transforms into an ever-present stage that showcases a fantastical sense of the burlesque.

By conflating curtains and dresses, using ruffles as flesh and furniture for appendages I make works that attempt to represent the sensuality of the Image-Object, a female performative body, in her home space. The product of combining two-dimensional representations with three-dimensional materiality is works that are Image-Objects themselves.

“Go in, Go all the way in” Performative Sculpture. Found nightgown, Broken Vintage Beauty Mirror, Inside: lipsticks, ‘lipstick’ sculptures (sculpey, nail polish), paper, watercolor, woodcut printed elements, cardboard. Approx. 36” x 40”. 2009

Still from Self Performance, “Go in, Go all the way in” Performative Sculpture. Found nightgown, Broken Vintage Beauty Mirror, Inside: lipsticks, ‘lipstick’ sculptures (sculpey, nail polish), paper, watercolor, woodcut printed elements, cardboard. Approx. 36” x 40”. 2009

“It’s On You”-Veiled. From 1, 000 Photos of my Own Face: Altered Lip Series. Digital Print. Printed on glossy paper. 18 x 24 inches. 2008

Untitled, From 1, 000 Photos of my Own Face: Altered Lip Series. Digital Print on Glossy Paper. 12 x 12 inches. 2008/2009

I Looked In (Fantasy Self Series) Digital Print, Acrylic paint, Gesso, Ballpoint pen, Colored Pencil, Clear Spray paint, Gold paint pen, Gold Spray paint, Mounted on ¾ inch thick Melomine Board. 18 x18 inches. 2009.

Self Reflection (Fantasy Self Series) Digital Print, Acrylic paint, Gesso, Gouache, Ballpoint pen, Colored Pencil. 24 x 36 inches. 2009.

“Mirror Go Lightly” Book Object. Digital photo, found paper, ink, pencil, guache, found objects, polyester thread, paper dolls, found photographs, lace, velvet ribbon, sequins, pearl snap, acrylic paint, velvet, PVA. With found faux leather case, vintage approximately 1965. Approximately 22 x 10 x 2 inches. 2009.

The Formless Drawing. Red ink and Gesso on Rag paper. 6 x 8 inches. 2009

The Formless Drawing. Red ink and Gesso on Rag paper. 6 x 8 inches. 2009

Tableau, Window: Self Portrait Sewn Image-Object. Polyester sheer, embroidered lace, sparkle lace, hem tape, polyester thread, fringe, blanket binding, spray paint, with apple corers. Installed on double rod system. 40″ x 48″. 2010

Untitled Curtain Sketch Drawing. Ink, Sparkle pen, Gouache, Acrylic Gesso, Glitter glue on Rag paper. 15 x 11 inches. 2010.

“There is Nothing More Objectifying than the Beauticians Touch.” Drawing. Ink, Ballpoint pen, Gouache, Sparkle pen, Gold paint pen, Graphite on Rag paper. With hole punches and cropped corner. 9.5 x 8 inches. 2010.

Trophy Hair on Flesh Box Sculpture. Horse hair, ribbon, leather, polyester georgette, polyester sheep, polyester lace, brocade, satin blanket binding, upholstery brads, bedside table, panel, glue, hair roller, spray paint. 16” x 19” x 35”. 2010

“Putting It All On” Installed at CCA, MFA 2010 Show, San Francisco. Sewn Image-Object, Polyester sheer, polyester thread, polyester lace, undecernable synthetic fabric blends, wired ribbon, sewing pins, fray check, satin blanket binding, wooly nylon thread, masking tape, duct tape, staples. Hung on a curtain rod with 1” brass clamp rings. Installed 3’ feet off the wall, painted in ‘Ruffles’ colored house paint. Backlit by mirrored, wall mounted, 4 bulb bathroom fixtures, with 60-watt bulbs and satin-sheathed cords. 36” x 120” x 264”. 2010

Detail- “Putting It All On” Installed at CCA, MFA 2010 Show, San Francisco. Sewn Image-Object, Polyester sheer, polyester thread, polyester lace, undecernable synthetic fabric blends, wired ribbon, sewing pins, fray check, satin blanket binding, wooly nylon thread, masking tape, duct tape, staples. Hung on a curtain rod with 1” brass clamp rings. Installed 3’ feet off the wall, painted in ‘Ruffles’ colored house paint. Backlit by mirrored, wall mounted, 4 bulb bathroom fixtures, with 60-watt bulbs and satin-sheathed cords. 36” x 120” x 264”. 2010

Valley House Boudoir. Installation and 10 hour Performance. Includes The Garment on Chair (1/2 of The Couple), In front of Putting It All On (Curtain). September 2011.

Valley House Boudoir. Installation and 10 hour Performance. Includes Bustle Ruffle, Tableau,Window: Self Portrait, and Performative Garment II on Chair (1/2 of The Couple). September 2010.

Detail of Tableau, Window: Self Portrait Sewn Image-Object. Installed on the Valley House Boudoir Door. 2010

Still from Valley House Boudoir Performance, With Tableau Window: Self Portrait. Duration: 10 hours. September 2010.

Detail, Feb 14 and its Subsequent Days/Nights Sculpture, from Performance. Exploring notions of commercial romance as it relates to self-esteem and concept. Human hair extensions (dyed), my own hair (also dyed), hair extension glue, Product residue & dander, false eyelashes, glitter, eyelash glue, eyeliner residue, sparkle thread, leather, polyester satin, polyester velvet, polyester thread, polyester batting, polyester carpet, satin ribbon, tacky glue, wedding rice, marshmallows, white lies. Approximately 6” x 6” x 6”. 2011.