Curator's Statement:

Inside the Dress documents the experiences of nine women artists engaged in a year-long reflective process. The project was designed to guide each artist through a meaningful personal exploration leading to a visual expression of what she perceives to be her essence. The term Inside the Dress is evocative of the "real" experiences of women in contrast to what might be implied by traditionally defining apparel, the dress.

A series of prescribed exercises were used in the examination of the topic. They offered a variety of experiences. They included a grounding activity involving breathing and drawing, an examination of ambivalent messages (self-talk), a reflection on clothing as language, a remembrance of favourite dress, an experiment involving clothing and movement and a consideration of the secrets we keep. Each exercise suggested an art project to accompany the activity. A selection of work that arose from the exercises is included in the exhibition.

Some worked methodically through the exercises while others completed them quickly at the beginning or the end of the process. The artists used the exercises as suggestions but did not necessarily complete them as written. A selection of work emerging from the exercises is included in the exhibition.

Each artist kept a sketchbook/journal. They are as diverse as the artists themselves. Each reveals important information about its creator. The journals themselves are works of art. They provide important documentation about the experience of the artists. They have become a significant part of the exhibition. The artists are members of the Fibre Art Network, a Western Canadian artist's cooperative. Typically they have created two-dimensional works. For this project they were required to produce a three-dimensional work that portrayed an essential element of their nature.

Themes emerged in each artist's work. Three of the artists focused on specific aspects of their lives. Jayne Willoughby Scott addressed the chaos in her busy life. Margie Davidson confronted her personal clutter. Mary Anne Kilgannon looked at finding a healthful balance between body, mind and spirit.

Janet Armstrong examined the perception of external calmness at times when her internal experience is more tumultuous. Kristin Miller used the paradoxical qualities of the cape to describe herself. Mary Sullivan Holdgrafer considered what she chooses to reveal, what she suggests and what she keeps hidden about her internal experiences.

Jean Brandel examined her political and social context and how that has shaped her view of the world. Sheila Niles created a visual autobiography. Ilse Anysas-Saulkauskas focused on her relationship with her mother and the importance of family stories.

Taken together these works suggest a dynamic and interesting group of mature women who have a great deal to say about themselves. They have all lived long enough to experience many challenges and successes. They are witty and wise. They demonstrate that there is a great deal going on Inside the Dress.





The project entitled, "Inside the Dress" has been a process that will culminate in an exhibition at the McMullen Gallery. My colleagues, Jean Brandel, Judy Villett and Jayne Willoughby-Scott and I conceived the idea as a means of creating an opportunity to work deeply. The process has taken more than a year to complete, and we envision the result of collective personal work will be a remarkable exhibition!

Inside the Dress
McMullen Gallery
8440 - 112 Street
Edmonton, Alberta.

May 7 - July 10, 2005.