My sculptures explore shared themes between nature and the feminine. How we are part of nature and on nature and women’s shared oppression but also wider issues of oppression caused by patriarchal society. I explore how this is an oppression on the feminine through the feminine spirituality and connection to surroundings.
I use local foraged clay from Cornwall, especially from sites that were used as clay sources in Neolithic times. This process of foraging creates a connection to the materials that is both personal and ancient. It’s a restorative pilgrimage that rekindles the Neolithic past and a life that honours the earths materials, surroundings and beauty.
I intertwine and experiment with traditional processes that often have associated stereotypes; like pit firing, cob and natural building, natural dyeing and spinning wool to challenge the stereotypes and gender binaries of both past and present.
Degree Show Exhibition
Exploring all these Eco-feminist themes, these sculptures show the materials as abstracted deities and unpersonified ‘mother earth’s’. They encompass natures permanence and temporality, damage and strength, isolation and connectedness. In addition, they present taboo female genitalia as an isolated form, dominant, confrontational and invasive.
Earth Womb
I have created an intimate sacred space to be nature’s womb. Inspired by the Fogous around Cornwall, which are ancient underground chambers of unknown purposes but believed to be spiritual sites of rituals. They are womb-like spaces connecting Earth and spirit. So here is a space to reflect and connect, to connect to the ground and the earth where we are birthed from.
I have rebuilt this sculpture at a local community garden and wish to make more of these sculptures using other natural materials like willow.
Some Other Works
Unnamed Sculptures
December 2023
Approx 30cmx15x15cm and Approx 10x4x4cm
Foraged Clay
These feminine contours made from earth showcase patterns inspired by masks and art of the indigenous peoples of Oceania.
Natural Contours
May 2022
Wood and Cotton thread
Approx 30x20x20cm
Wood and thread working together in harmony, bringing together ‘masculinity’ and ‘femininity’ in the female form. Bodies and trees are interconnected with contours and curves of unique grainlines. Growing, aging and maturing. Lines show wisdom.
Milly Wakelin 