My figurative work explores concepts of identity and body image relative to being a survivor of violent sexual assault and living with PTSD by using a combination of intuitive thread drawing and paint.  The process of hand stitching is restorative and represents the aspects of processing trauma and healing my body image that I can control.  Embracing the knots and organic nature of the stitches existing in conjunction with allowing the paint to spontaneously interact with my stitches symbolizes the ebb and flow of reclaiming my identity as a feminine being while combating inner and societal pressures.

 

Marisa Griffin is an artist, adaptive art educator, and feminist based in Tampa, Florida. Her work can be found online at swampcraftstudio.com and on social media under the handle @swampcraftstudio.