Self Portrait in Stays

2021, oil on canvas, 30” x 40”

A self portrait of myself wearing undergarments sewn in 18th century style and technique.

The work deals with gender roles, sewing as labor, and the benefits of adopting historical practices.

For this project, I sewed myself the traditional undergarments worn in the 18th century: a white linen shift, yellow wool stays, and a false rump (not pictured).