"Some Wounds Don't Bleed"

"Some Wounds Don't Bleed"
2016
Fabric, wire, Velcro, plastic thread, paper photographs. Dimensions: Multiple pieces that would fit within a 4’ square
The assignment was to make a soft sculpture in my one of my favorite Sculpture classes led by Professor Chris Taylor. Playing with dimensions and diametrically opposed textures, this piece is my rendition of the 'flak vest' I wore while deployed to several combat zones. I used delicate laces and lingerie fabrics to quilt together the vest and outfitted the seams with wire, so it would hold its shape while displayed. I also placed photographs of my family taken during events (like birthdays and mother's days) I missed during these deployments, in the front pockets where my 'real' flak vest carried ammunition. These family photos symbolize the protection to my heart that the flak vest and ammunition were to my body.