Shannon Freshwater
Giant
2018
Reused fabric, synthetic resin, foam, reused jewelry and beads, yarn, wire, felt, various found items
7 x 4 x 4 feet approx.
My recent work focuses on my experience of being a woman and trying to push against social norms and expectations. I enjoy working with found and reused material because it has a history and voice that guides me in the direction of the piece. For “Giant” I reused off cast materials from industrial production and discarded fabrics for the body of the costume.
As a girl I was brought up to be small, be polite, don’t interfere, don’t interrupt, be agreeable, don’t question, don’t be too loud, and be appealing. These expectations are ingrained within us as we live our lives as adult women and I try to challenge them with my costumes. When I wear my “Giant“ costume I can take up space, I am powerful and intimidating. The emotion of being angry and frustrated fuels my work and wearing my costume becomes a catharsis where I am free to be myself and act out my emotions.