Marcie Brozyna

Artist Statement

My ongoing series "Blood Coming out of Her..." employs former President Trump's words, "You could see there was blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her... wherever..." meant to dismiss and belittle, to instead celebrate the reproductive potential of women (and those who can become pregnant) as a symbol of our strength and creativity. I marry textile and thread (women's crafts) to a symbol of women's health- the menstrual pad. Though pads and menstruation are often items of mockery and shame, they are a symbol of our power to 'bring forth' into existence. I create fiber art with objects of women’s reproductive journeys- symbols of our incredible creative power and agency- paired with patriotic iconography and the red, white, and blue thread of our flag. On period pads, postpartum underwear, and infant receiving blankets, I stitch injustice- our government’s assault on democracy, the loss of reproductive freedom, the adverse health effects of racism and sexism, shockingly high rates of stillbirth, infant death, and maternal mortality- overt and covert hostility and violence. With the insertion of dissection pins I declare precious lives are in jeopardy. I add my voice to the many who demand the United States live up to her essential promises- those of freedom, liberty, and justice for all.