by Amabel Mortimer
(fabric embroidery collage)
“Stitched Up is loosely based on an image I saw on the internet some while ago (I can’t credit the image as I can’t find it again unfortunately). It conveys the naked vulnerability I felt during chemo, and the uncertainty of whether it will work. It’s called Stitched Up, for a couple of reasons – the obvious surgery (you can see the scars embroidered on the woman’s body), and the fact that I felt ‘stitched up’ getting this cancer. Essentially I became a chemo puppet, chained to this powerful medication. Hoping I can regain strength, but having a dark shadow over me. The 6 ‘strings’ represent the 6 chemos I had, and the colours used are a nod to the drugs infused. The untrimmed cotton is also important as, for me, they illustrate the loss of control and side effects that come with chemo. However, I do feel there is a power to the human form in the image, alongside her vulnerability. Her body is still strong, she will fight this, & perhaps the chemo is also holding her up.”
I love this image. It resonates strongly with me. The sense of being irrevocably attached to cancer and the lifeline and yet dark line that the drugs are. Thank you for sharing this.
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