Territorial Defense

While studying abroad in Scotland, I became fascinated with the extravagant apparel worn by Queen Elizabeth I of England.  During her successful reign as monarch, Elizabeth I chose to adorn herself in clothing that made her the visual center of a crowd. Her prodigious gowns and jewelry enlarged her presence physically and asserted her dominance over her subjects—including the many men who wished to usurp her power.  As with most women, not all of my interactions with men in social situations have been positive. Although the majority of the men I have encountered throughout my life have been respectful, I have also met several that have been physically and verbally aggressive.  Finding this behavior to be a common irritation for many women, I began to imagine ways a woman could establish personal boundaries. 

In Territorial Defense, I address the feelings of frustration and anger generated by gender power struggles as well as the violation, insecurity, and fear caused by disrespectful interactions.  The initial forms are strongly influenced by Elizabethan Collars and the defensive positioning of animals.  The designs which create these shapes are inspired by art I find beautiful and dramatic; including Japanese Basket Weaving, Architecture, and Geometry.  This series blends a woman's need for safety with the physicality and psychology of adornment, allowing women to create a safe space within themselves.⁣

Circle Neckpiece

Copper

23.5"w x 7.5"h x 17.5"d

Japanese Basketweave Neckpiece: One

Copper

30"w x 5"h x 28"d

Personal Space: Aluminum

Aluminum, paint

30"w x 72"h x 30"d

Elizabethan Collar, one

Silver, titanium

20"w x 17"h x 13"d

Geometric Neckpiece: Two

Brass

19"w x 9.75"h x 16.5"d

Japanese Basketweave Neckpiece: Three

Brass

19.5"w x 4"h x 21"d

Elizabethan Collar, three

Brass

50"w x 15"h x 50"d

Plumage

Copper, prismacolor

36"w x 26"h x 17"d

JESSE MATHES

Metalwork

Japanese Basketweave Neckpiece: Two

Copper

32"w x 5.5"h x 29"d

Geometric Neckpiece: One

Copper

29"w x 32"h x 29.5"d

Personal Space: Crinoline

1800 sq. yards of nylon netting

9'w x 5'h x 9'd

Asymmetrical Geometric: One

Brass

14"w x 15"h x 10"d

Asymmetrical Geometric: Two

Brass

14.5"w x 11.5"h x 10.5"d

Elizabethan Collar: Four

Brass

23"w x 6"h x 21"d

Farthingale

Pewter, brass, wood, paint

7'w x 2.5'h x 7'd

Elizabethan Collar, two

Copper, prismacolor

54"w x 5"h x 54"d

Elizabethan Collar: Five

Brass

23"w x 6"h x 21"d

Oval Neckpiece: Large

Copper

30"w x 9.75"h x 22"d

Elizabethan Armor

Copper, prismacolor

16"w x 36"h x 11"d

Shy

Copper, prismacolor

14"w x 20"h x 24"d

Oval Neckpiece: Small

Brass

11"w x 4.5"h x 10"d

Fence

Aluminum

14"w x 38"h x 24"d