This sensual-themed body of work grew as I recoiled from our acrimonious social climate. I felt the need for a figurative, collective, and supportive hug. The work is spoken from a sensual female voice, confident in her value and worth both to herself and the society at large, not one of objectification. The backstory to this series is one of female sensuality, a powerful force, that challenges the patriarchal hierarchy.

This work exposes the beauty masked behind the facade of self-protection by claiming ownership of strength and beauty as one navigates the world.  I establish the shape of each character as a line drawing. Once I begin with the color and embroidery, each face begins the journey of individualization. Each color or mark I make adds depth, dimension, and emotion which creates a personality I am meeting for the first time. As I interact with the figures I am creating, their personalities develop and the work becomes a back-and-forth, and each layer adds to the dialogue.

View more of Carol Scavotto’s work here.