Which Techniques has she used?

In her work, Stuntman predominantly ues techniques such as embroidery, weaving, crocheting and knitting, techniques which were traditionally used by women. She uses these specific techniques as juxtaposition tools in order express her views on women to the world.  

Figure 27, is an example of her work taken from the “Impaired Vision” series.

 Figure 27 Stutman, B. (1997) Sugar and Spice: Must we be Nice? Brooch. [ONLINE]^[1]

In this piece she has chosen to use both knitting and crocheting as her main techniques. With this series, she was attempting to depict how media does not give a true portrayal of women, but however uses devices in order to create insecurities within women in order to further thier own agendas. 

According to Rachel Felder, one of the authors of the online publication Good Housekeeping; red lipstick is "unique combination of boldness, strength, and self-assured sexiness". However these are all ideologies which have been placed into the human psyche through media through out history. 

She has skillfully used these techniques closely associated with women to almost ask "is this really what you want women to focus on?" With the aid of her material selection she was able to further emphasis judgement of media for their depiction of the women. 

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[1]Available at: http://www.barbarastutman.com/works/impaired.php 

Which materials has she used and why?

Figure 26 Barbara Stutman, (2015) Imperfect Beauty IB23 Neckpiece. [ONLINE] 

            

The above picture is taken from Stuntman's series entitled “Imperfect Beauty”, in this particular series she was trying to explore the beauty found in “the old, the blemished, the humble and irregular.” In order to create these pieces she has worked with stretch bead cord, coloured copper wire, freshwater pearls, seed beads and magnets.

She has chosen to use these materials in order to express her narrative as these materials are able to create a rough appearance and give the idea of something scrappy looking in comparison to what could be described as a beautifully polished finish. These materials also provide her with dimension without adding additional weight to the piece (Guyomarc'h, 2018).  

In her work, she predominantly places focus on her message and therefore tries to consider all the relevant factors which will influence the final delivery. Material is therefore ine of these important factors as displayed in the example above.b

Barbara Stutman

Stutman is a contemporary female artist and jewellery designer who uses her work in order to comment on female issues using chiefly symbolism^[1] and irony within her work.  Having a background in fine art, she has used her jewellery as an extension from what she had with her sculptures and paintings.

This report has used Stutman as one of the contemporary examples as her work exhibits narrative characteristic’s which are similar to what this paper will be addressing. Therefore in Chapter Two, the report will provide a brief introduction and background on Stuntman’s work; while also discussing her work in the sequence below. 

1. Which Issues does she address in her work?
2. How does she deal with them?

                                 i.            Which materials has she usedand why?

                               ii.            Which Techniques has she used?

                              iii.            What kind of Imagery andsymbolism has she used?

3. How is her work similar to mine?

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[1] “is an object or thing that has meaning more than the thing itself . A dog might represent fidelity in addition to being a pet; it is a visual sign for an idea or concept.” (Anon)

For the purposes of the paper, when the word symbol or symbolism is discussed, it will be referring to a representation any object, thing, person, feeling, living or any other non-living organism which is the specified subject matter.