For an artist, practise based research involves making art. For this project, I worked with a live model going through perimenopause. We used a 3d scanner to scan the model, and then digitally sculpted the 3d file to be able to print using a 3d printer. The project is technically very challenging to work at that scale, and so much experimentation and problem solving occurred. Once the 3d prints were successful, I was then able to make casts of the figures in various experimental materials including chocolate, wax and stone. Menopause is a significant life stage for women, yet it is often accompanied by feelings of invisibility, loss, and stigma, particularly regarding beauty and sexuality. This practice-based research proposal aims to use new technologies to create a range of semi-ephemeral sculptures in wax, earth, and organic materials like chocolate to explore menopausal beauty and sexuality. The project seeks to inspire women to initiate conversations about menopause within their communities and challenge societal perceptions of aging and femininity. Menopause is an under-researched area and this project aims to contribute much needed perspective.
