A Heavy Priveledged Choice

A Heavy Privileged Choice-- Original Painting on Birch Panel in simple float-mount frame.

acrylic on wood
painted in 2022
39.5" x 27" x 2.5"

*Currently on view in the B24: Wiregrass Biennial through September 28th.

After devoting six years to raising my two daughters, I decided to recenter my artmaking at age 44 by creating a backyard studio. During this time, I discovered that I was pregnant. As I worked through the conflicting emotions of this unexpected pregnancy and weighed its impact on my family, my physical and mental health, and my future as an artist, I painted "A Heavy Privileged Choice." This coincided with the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, and I felt fortunate to live in a state where abortion was still allowed up to 26 weeks, yet I was enraged that this choice was no longer available nationwide.

The weight of this decision became even more apparent when life-limiting complications were detected during my 20-week ultrasound. Despite the intense worry and weekly ultrasounds throughout the pregnancy, we were fortunately able to welcome another healthy baby girl into our family. I mourn for the dehumanizing loss of bodily autonomy for millions of women in the U.S. and fear what further restrictions may come for future generations.

This portrait features a young woman with red hair who looks directly at the viewer. She is enveloped by exposed roots and a hornets’ nest that act as her dress or protective armor, reminiscent of the Elizabethan style. The hornets hover around her, lichen grows in her hair and on her skin, and a corn snake is entwined in the root/nest covering. A single feather on her shoulder symbolizes that she has no chance to fly away, and instead, she must surrender to the weight of her responsibilities as a woman and mother, the rapid passage of time, and her own mortality.