(Above: Childless, Decision Portrait. Stitched words: My hysterectomy forever changed my life. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained muslin. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25" framed. Hand embroidery and beading. Click on image to enlarge.)
Some decisions are permanent....absolutely and completely final. No action can undo the results of these decisions. Everything changes from that moment on. A hysterectomy is like that.
(Above: Childless, detail. Click on image to enlarge.)
I've known this kind, sharing, civic-minded lady for years. I knew she didn't have any kids but I didn't know why. I didn't know about the health issues and the "ticking clock" that many women hear as they age. I didn't know about a divorce either.....until she volunteered to share this most important decision with me for this artistic series. Having a hysterectomy ended an earlier expectation of life. It also set into motion a new, fulfilling life....once she got past the final reality of the decision. The portrait reflects the ambiguous nature of such a monumental decision.....bittersweet.
(Above: Childless, detail. Click on image to enlarge.)
2 comments:
Each one of these stories touches my heart.
My heart aches for her. We can see someone walking down the street and never know the decisions they have had to make in their life. You have given us a window to view some of these decisions. I thank you.
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