Willow Stacey
Powerfully navigating themes of everyday sexism and female experience
Willow Stacey
Willow Stacey is a compelling Kent-based textile artist whose work powerfully navigates themes of everyday sexism and female experience. Having initially studied Fine Art, specialising in sculptural representations of the female form, Willow pivoted to hand embroidery, transforming seemingly innocuous or outright offensive comments directed at women into poignant artworks.
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Her ongoing series, "Things Men Say," is a visceral collection of phrases, often overheard or personally received, meticulously hand-stitched onto inherently domestic textiles like dusters, dishcloths and doilies. This deliberate choice of medium creates a fascinating tension, juxtaposing the delicate, traditionally feminine craft of embroidery with the often crude and brash nature of the words themselves. Each piece is titled to give context to the phrase, inviting the viewer to consider the origin and impact of such remarks.
Willow's art is an act of solidarity, giving voice to countless women who navigate similar experiences daily. By immortalising these comments, she not only processes her own feelings but also offers a cathartic release for others, transforming discomfort into powerful visual statements. Her work has garnered significant recognition, being selected for exhibition by prestigious institutions like ING Discerning Eye and The Society of Women Artists at The Mall Galleries, and she is a regular exhibitor at The Other Art Fair. Collecting a piece by Willow Stacey is to acquire not just an artwork, but a potent conversation starter and a symbol of quiet resilience.