A few months ago I found an article online regarding equestrian women and suffrage. Specifically the role of riding aside vs riding astride and the right to vote. The side saddle is in fact a symbolic of man's empowerment over women and riding astride was used to protest for the right to vote. It is a fascinating story. Details are in the link below. http://www.lrgaf.org/articles/sidesaddles_and_suffragettes.htm
This additional historical layer in the piece's beautiful narrative calls for me to write an additional artist statement. The purpose is not to provide historical fact that can be obtained on the internet. The purpose would be to convey the experience of the suffragettes and Victorian equestrian women. To encourage the viewer to listen to the stories enscribed by ages of wear and tear, to feel the frustration women without voting rights have felt, to experience the fear women felt riding a 1200 lb. animal with no control. Below is the piece and my first attempt at this additional artist statement.
suffrage - victoria aside
10" X 20" X 30" bronze and distressed gold leaf 2014
My first attempt at rewriting my statement-
suffrage
Torn billets - whisper tales
of antiquated sexual expectations.
A single iron slipper stirrup - weighs
of masculine oppression.
A lower pommel - lames
fashionable Victorian feminist.
The crackled and distressed girth - surrenders the scars of suffrage riders.
Riding aside - symbol
of suffrage.