The canvas is now on its frame and I am finding ways to obscure the words. I will use a variety of fabric pieces to cover them. The small words will be partially concealed, legible only upon close inspection. The large words will be covered leaving just part of certain letters on view. The viewer will be aware that something is under the surface but not know what. What is lurking beneath the surface is the effects of abuse.
Sexual child abuse:
“A child is sexually abused when they are forced or persuaded to take part in sexual activities. This doesn’t have to be physical contact, and it can happen online. Sometimes the child won’t understand that what’s happening to them is abuse. They may not even understand that it’s wrong.” (N.S.P.C.C. website: 2015)
More information available at:
Children who have been abused or neglected may suffer physical or emotional harm and the effects can be long-lasting, often into adulthood. It is likely that someone who has been abused during childhood will be abused again.
The long term effects can be debilitating and can cause
such emotional difficulties as anxiety, low self-esteem or anger. It can also cause mental health problems such as, depression, self-harm or eating disorders.
Victims can suffer disturbing thoughts, and have difficulty communicating and with building and maintaining relationships.
Because of the secret nature of this type of abuse, the cause of these problems can go undetected for years.
I experimented with different ‘see through’ fabrics.
Tricia Cottrell: Words: in progress (2015)
Media: Fabric, Fabric Paint, Thread
Dimensions: 199.5cm 258.75cm
Location: Studio
Photograph: Tricia Cottrell (2015)
Close-up Detail
Netting
Tricia Cottrell: Words: in progress (2015)
Media: Fabric, Fabric Paint, Thread
Dimensions: 199.5cm 258.75cm
Location: Studio
Photograph: Tricia Cottrell (2015)
Close-up Detail
Netting
Tricia Cottrell: Words: in progress (2015)
Media: Fabric, Fabric Paint, Thread
Dimensions: 199.5cm 258.75cm
Location: Studio
Photograph: Tricia Cottrell (2015)
Close-up Detail
Lace
Tricia Cottrell: Words: in progress (2015)
Media: Fabric, Fabric Paint, Thread
Dimensions: 199.5cm 258.75cm
Location: Studio
Photograph: Tricia Cottrell (2015)
Close-up Detail
Lace
Tricia Cottrell: Words: in progress (2015)
Media: Fabric, Fabric Paint, Thread
Dimensions: 199.5cm 258.75cm
Location: Studio
Photograph: Tricia Cottrell (2015)
Close-up Detail
Lace
I think that the lace works best at obscuring the words, I will continue with that.
