Vessels - Art of the Feminine

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Susan Purney Mark, “Menses,” 2025

(courtesy of the artist)

Vessels – Art of the Feminine is a textile project that explores the female form as a vessel, symbolizing both strength and societal expectations placed on women’s bodies. Through sculptural stitched vessels, similar to ancient ceramic pots and urns, the work critiques the pressures of conformity and the historical framing of women’s identities. Each piece is crafted using repurposed materials, intricate stitching, hand dyed fabric, and advanced surface design techniques that integrate traditional and contemporary motifs, symbols, and text that reflect the societal pressures experienced by women throughout various stages of life. By contrasting these historical forms with modern representations of women's experiences, the project addresses contemporary issues such as gender expression, personal and physical autonomy, and women’s empowerment. This feminist artistic exploration invites viewers to reflect on the resilience and complexity of the feminine experience, encourages cross-cultural dialogue, and reflects on the evolving role of women in society, fostering deeper connections between art, history, personal stories and experience.