Helpless

Helpless, 2017

Helpless, 2017, detail

Helpkess, 2017, detail

Helpless, 2017

Helpless, 2017

I made a torso and legs for this piece, using ideas from artist Kristina Skantze I added a face using thread and hand sewing patches of material. I think that this new method of adding the facial features gives the piece more emotion and detail. To display this doll I could either sit it up; which I like the idea of as my previous dolls lacked the ability/movement to do this, or suspend it using fishing wire, which also appeals to me as I haven't done this before.

By making the smaller version before this piece, I was able to experiment with and test out new ideas of how to connect the limbs to the torso, without the worry of wasting materials. This is comparable to sketching out an idea before committing to a painting.

I didn't worry too much about the proportions of the face as I felt that the quirkiness of the features let the piece of work almost have its own personality. I let the materials and thread, to a degree move into position on their own. As in positioning the material around the thread, I allowed minimal intervention.

Suspension of the doll in the studio space

I decided to hang the doll in the studio because it is more varied than the previous ways I have displayed work. Although I found the piece to be interesting sat on the floor, by suspending it I found that it added a more vulnerable feel to the piece. It became more exposed and unintentionally added a sexual element. I chose not to make arms for the piece as I felt it made it seem helpless, which is when I decided the title, when making the piece it was slumped on the floor and it almost looked like a person that couldn't stand up. By hanging the piece it heightened the vulnerability and sadness of the doll, it almost allures to scenes of devastation and rape, even torture.