My first steel dress, "Geared Up" was accepted in an online exhibition I applied for at ArtJury.com.
They are still finalizing the exhibition images, but here is a link to the temporary gallery if anyone wants to look.

http://artjury.com/GalleryATemp.html

Current Snowmobile Dress

I have started welding on the outer sheet metal layer on this dress. I like the reflected light and shadows that are developing on the surface of the sheet metal, but I need to work with it more to remove unwanted ripples.

Conceptually... I like making dress sculptures that have a theme that is culturally labeled as masculine, while keeping the form feminine. Snowmobiling is often looked at as a male's recreational activity. When I go snowmobiling with new people for the first time they are surprised at how I can "keep up with the guys." Why does this have to be a surprise? Why aren't women expected to ride well or fast?

I usually recieve similar reactions when I show people the first two steel dresses I made. People are surprised and ask "you do the welding?" I have also revieced "jokingly" comments that I do not find funny like (and these are NOT my words)...."oh, are you a dike now," "oh, now you're a butch," "can she (referring to me) barrow your workboots," I replied

to the last one with "I don't need to, I have my own, thanks."

Some feel threatened and make "jokes" like these, and others think its great and are impressed.

While researching for a paper I came across an article on a female welder. The article stated that she would get criticized for "showing off" if she welded too well. She said that the men would sometimes get angry if she welded better. Also, the men were verbally abusive to the women who acted masculine and would call them butch.

I find this relating to my work conceptually because I like to address themes that are thought of as being owned by masculinity. My work it personal to me, which is why I like making the work wearable. The dresses are also binding and restricting like the gender stereotypes.

"Sled Tred Trim"

This is my work in progress for the snomobile-theme steel dress.
The tracks that I plan to use are posted here. They are recycled studded tracks. I picked them up at a Doug's Power Sports Store in Cortland who were just going to throw them out because they have no use for them, the lugs are pretty worn but will work just fine for my purpose

The ban at the bottom is the frame for the sled track to be attatched to.

By manipulating the steel, I want to portray movement and the "flowingness" quality that fabric posesses.

Fabric is going to be exposed at the bust, trim at the bottom below the track, and I think through cuts in sheet metal that is not on there yet.

Top View: Steel Dress with a Snowmobile Track Trim

Watercolor pencils, graphite, ink, pastels
This is a preliminary version of the current steel dress I am working on. I am using recycled snowmobile tracks.

I am also going to use fabric in this sculpture to contrast against the steel.

Pictures of work in progress on the steel dress will be posted soon.

"Geared Up"

This is the first steel dress I made. I wanted to place it in a setting a thought suitable for a steel dress, so... i did my hair up in curls (brings back memories or getting reading for prom) and went to the junk yard! My boyfriend took the pictures and we didn't really know what we were doing, but it was fun. I would love to hear feedback about placing sculptures like the steel dresses in corresponding enviornments and making it part of the artwork.