Stretched Thin, 2019

Shade Noir:

"She had been a puppet for her entire existence. Even so, they told her that she was free. Although the strings had been cut, her hands were still tied. But why couldn't she see who was pulling them..."

Introducing my newest baby, Shade Noir. Shade is a puppet who has no control over her life, her choices. She has big unblinking eyes that see all, yet no mouth so that she can have no say.

It's no secret that Misery Black is a reflection of me. But, like most of us, there are many sides to my personality. Misery is, contrary to what her name suggests, a reflection of my optimism. She is my hope, love, confidence. Shade is the opposite - she is the "shade" or shadow self of Misery - of me. She represents my fear, sadness, powerlessness.

As I have gotten older, my confidence and sense of self has definitely increased. At the same time, however, I have become increasingly aware of the sting of gender inequality. Ironically, as I grow into my feminine power, I feel the limitations imposed on me as a woman in modern society.

Shade may not have a mouth, but she is certainly my voice