MALLORY  SHOTWELL

Artist's Note: 

This work began in response to the fifth mastectomy reconstructive surgery that I have had.  Created in preparation for this experience, I leaned into mentors: Meirle Ukeles and adrienne maree brown, to honor the "miraculous mundane," and the maintenance labor of the experience.  What is it to know that you'll lose function? What is it to know that you will be suffering immensely? What labor and preparation are involved in this experience? 

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As an artist, I designed many elements of this work leading up to the surgery. I heavily documented this experience, and gathered artifacts along the way: waiting gowns, blood pressure cuff, hospital and appointment pieces and parts that were disposable to them. (This feels ironic, in a way.) In preparing for, and moving through the reconstructive surgery, I found it healing to see this as coping mechanism, in its distraction and art expression, and seeing a way forward. 

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This surgery, however, "woke up" dormant issues, or started new ones, and it has now been 15 months of continued health issues.  It is diagnosed as chronic, and interferes with my life, work, and relationships.  As this wore on, I had my own grief about not having the defined before, during, and after I'd hoped for, and am now leaning into this new life. As such, the project changes to feature some of the intended works of my experiences, and evolves to include the public, for a more universal experience to share visual articulations of a life lived in chronic illness.