Emma Larard (2)
mixed-media on paper
panel of 15cm x 15cm participatory drawings
Title Menopause stories
This project started after hearing a throwaway comment from a colleague discussing the menopause “my husband says it’s like I’ve been replaced by my evil twin”. I started asking my co-workers for their symptoms or anecdotes of their menopause experience. A work station was set up for a week at work, and people would pop up and draw, paint or collage a square depicting their experiences and put it on the wall.
By talking to other people I gained an insight into how often your experiences are shared or understood by others, you can find the humour or the beauty in something previously thought ugly and uncomfortable. Ultimately, it became apparent that none of us is alone; challenges can be overcome; and art has a great way of uniting and providing a form of therapy.
I am interested in the representation of women in art, historically and now. Traditionally hairless goddesses and virgins, there is now representation of women as they are. There has been much more portrayal of women as mothers, and the process of birth, but there is still a long way to go. Frida Kahlo and Tracey Emin have shown women who struggle with infertility and sexual assault and healing, Cindy Sherman often challenges stereotypes of women in her work. However a lot more needs to be done to represent older women in art (and issues like aging and menopause), women as artists in general, and what has been disparaged as women’s crafts. I also love patterns, and finding the beauty in what is typically deemed ugly.
I use a variety of mediums, including paints, photography and embroidery. Experimenting with different combinations, such as paint on fabric, or embroidery on paper is what I find exciting. This also includes painting on myself, and using my own body for printing.
“I have realised how enjoyable it is to collaborate with others. Sharing stories and experiences, and seeking advice on the best materials and techniques is invaluable.”