Domestic Operations Badge; Work
2023, Low fire clay, glaze, gold lustre, laminated plywood, paint and 23 karat gold leaf.
This is one in a series of “Domestic Operations Badges” that I have been making for myself the last few years. Each one is a look back at the trials and triumphs endured and experienced in my journey becoming a Domestic Goddess…
The badges were created to highlight important accomplishments in particular domestic arenas. Each badge has a center that illustrates the specific area of expertise, indicated by the ceramic icon in the center. The wooden exterior is painted with 8 specific skills that have been “mastered” in each domestic arena. The rubric for earning a scout badge was the inspiration for the format I’m using here.
The painting style is influenced by Toile de Jouy fabrics and wallpaper that were ubiquitous in my youth. At my grandparents house I would often nap on a sofa covered in Toile. While trying to stay awake I would find myself making up stories to go along with the bucolic images.
This badge is dedicated to the “Work” of being me. The ways that work forms us and guides us through life is really important to me.
