paper, fabric, beads, thread, paint, trinkets

"She Chose Curiosity" tells a story about women who embraced non-traditional roles, interests, and professions at a time when it not only uncommon, but frowned upon. Using a circa-1940s photograph as a reference image, this portrait was created using collage materials that included vintage field guides, vintage text, upholstery samples, gears, and old buttons. The texts in particular reference scientific learning and exploration of our natural world. The background uses an up-cycled tablecloth, and the patterns in her garment evoke images of fabrics and china patterns. Her peaceful gaze shows that she is content to straddle the worlds of homemaker and scientist, settling in to the duality of being a woman in a time when curiosity was not favored.