REPRODUCTION
A collection of work and writings
Reproduction investigates the intersection of agriculture, fertility, and the biological and societal roles of women’s bodies. Drawing on the lives of historical figures such as Isabella de Fortibus and Elizabeth Stuart; women once connected to Carisbrooke Castle. Reproduction reanimates lost voices, layering them with contemporary concerns around aspects of gender, power, and ecology. Through an evocative blending of historical reference and personal inquiry, the body of work, both visual and literary, aims to unearth connections between land and lineage, biology and myth, the internal and external.
I have been thinking a lot about fields recently. I've been thinking about how the Farmer combs through the grass, and the mud, with precision that can only be achieved with a certain mundaneness. Over and over again, the field is ploughed. The Farmer prepares the land, burying weeds to create a subtle seed bed. Tilling breaks the field down further, her soil crumbles with each brush and touch.Broadcasting, drilling, transplanting seeds from march to may, where there is fertility abundant. The field retains water but doesn't freeze, while the sun finds itself lost in conversation with the cloud, all for the field to eavesdrop. She finds herself caught between nature and the Farmer to reach her ultimate nirvana. A nirvana she is obliged to.Yellow and blue and purple and pink. These are the colours that the field blossoms if she tendered carefully to the gift the Farmer and the sun have graced her with. But now, the field is a public footpath, a bridleway, a trespasser's lane.
Above
Reproduction, 2025
Mixed media on canvas
92 × 123 cm
Below
Enclosure, 2025
Mixed media on canvas
164 × 102 cm
Much like my mother, and her mother, and the many others that proceeds them, I stitch each thread individually. It's almost as if it is woven into our cells, a carousel of patches and tears that were born in the womb.
Or you should think.
In jest, I seldom stitch to fix and repair, instead I allow my mother and her mothers, and the many mothers that proceed them, to roll in their grave, by not stitching out of selflessness nor necessity.
Still, why is it that I feel so bound by this? the string which stretches between generation and duty. A ritual? Perhaps it does feel like one.
To feel closer to us? Well, I think I do feel this way.
I hope you can see that I still bear this burden of the needle and thread, but just not out of necessity. I promise to embrace your fate and my future with heavy laboured and discerning arms.
My mind and body seem to be at odds with the natural circuit of all living things. Ovarian soiling scattered over the ashes, past present and temple. Open plan living, daydreaming, expectations, my body inhabited by those who swore against broken promises to protect it. Labour, subsidised, illuminated, transgressing, push push push. Out pops the future, bright and lonely. It lives in growing pains and sharp teeth demanding a certain nectar. Entitled, endeared, loved. Yelling, oh god the yelling for more and more and more, as if those before did not demand oh so much. Tireless, aching, bordered on the skirting board of abuse. Lyricism and not confronting as much as an angel would ruffle their feathers. Tramlines going down and down inn a forest of dismay.
Reproduction was first exhibited at the Quay Art centre, Newport, Isle of Wight between the 7th and 27th of July 2025. A gallery that I had visited countless times during my youth. The Island had inspired me endlessly growing up, where all my surroundings coexisted with the natural environment, as it had done for centuries. There had always been such a distinct, deeper feeling between the feminine and natural - how we position women's bodies in this landscape. There is a certain peace in realising that the conception of life mimics agricultural ecology. My heart lies with embracing this, to which I urge you to do the same, regardless of sex. Any anecdotes, discoveries or input can be left down below, all of which will be used to inform future project and further exploration. Thank you for reading.