I.U.D.

Height (cm): 100

Width (cm): 50

Depth (cm): 2

Materials: Acrylic, glitter glue, pencil

Date Completed: July/August 2024

"‘i.u.d.’ arose from my decision to go off birth control - a political move as much as personal one. I’ve had the coil (intrauterine device) since I was 19, for 8 years & been on the pill prior since 17. I’d heard stories from friends of personalities, desires, bodies etc. completely changing after going off it. I kept thinking about the ways it was disconnecting me from my self, cycles, rhythms, wants. Often birth control works by tricking your body into thinking you are pregnant. This arguably makes you 'settle' across all areas of your life, since the state naturally encourages you to seek safer partners & situations."

"The body is mine. As I drew I thought of the other ways my body was sneakily kept in line - how women in general are. Through comparison/competition, pursuit of perfection, direction to 'control' every aspect of their bodies... Normally I draw an idealised version of my body. This time I included the ‘ham sandwich’ (larger labia), ‘square bum’ & 'triangle thighs'."