Women and War Series by Beth E Scher

Artist Statement

Beth Scher
I am interested in themes of femininity, feminism and the roles of women in the military theater. I portray young women who intentionally seek to display their sexuality and vulnerability, yet are trained killers, in a position of power and placed in serious conflicts. I wonder what the consequences are in a society that must deal with this dichotomy.
The materials I utilize enabled me to integrate my vision of women and war with the way many feminist artists approached their work. Yarn woven through nails hammered into board is a technique I have discovered to be unique, yet suitable for the work I wish to create. The yarn is used to highlight portions of collaged images which I glue to the wood board, transforming the photograph into the generic soldier, no longer with distinct features. It also serves another function; unintended, yet certainly welcome. Feminist artists often utilized craft in their work to enhance their images, commenting on the status of “women’s work” and what had been thought of as acceptable pursuits for women in society. My own commentary that women soldiers must deal with a duality of self-image is reflected in the material of the yarn and its traditional connotation.