Stitching Hysteria:
Exploring the 19th century constrictions that society sets on women, I am inspired by the traditional efforts to confine women to the home, sequestered away, forbidden of intellectual stimulation and not valued for their own personalities, talents and endeavors. Women often relied on embroidery and its progress as proof that long hours were spent doing nothing else. Because of this, the domestic art of embroidery is often associated with docility, obedience and meekness and used here to emphasis this concept. This often caused women to struggle with their role as dutiful wife and home dweller and is a subtle conversation about the link between ones identity and sacrifice of individualism. This enforced infantilization and constraint brings to light the attitudes of passivity and submission that deprive women, rendering them prone to hysteria.