'Holder of the Hoop'

Holder of the Hoop
Artist Yvonne Maclean
2017
 
Unframed, approx 250mmx 30mm, Acrylic and Charcoal on Archival Cartridge Paper, of the ‘Jumping Through Hoops’ Collection, a collection of works sharing the artists experience of grace under fire, reforming the self under extreem pressure, power imbalances harnessing a 'Joan of Arc' style strength to influence ones own survival.
 
'Holder of the Hoop' was made from a study in a life drawing session for the 'Jumping Through Hoops' Collection, born out of a response to extreme pressure I was experiencing. 
 
As a 46 year old, 'new mother' returning to work, the collection processes the pressures I was under to 'leave', and 'make way' for those who were 'new' 'younger' and more 'desireable'. It shares my stance of living in respect of the miracles I was experiencing outside of, and at, work, whilst being amidst the punishing behaviours of peers and managment. The work gave me oportunity to feel grounded in my strengths ones I had not known would be called upon in a 'return-to-work' situation.
 
The woman depicted sits posed, alert, bare and hosting behind her, the hoop that is being demanded of her. She holds in her position, mastery of containment, the hoop resting evenly behind her, elegantly relaxed, her vision clear and focused on what is in front of her.
YM