Cara Jaye

Artist Statement

Insects are emblematic of collecting, a cataloging of types and body parts. Each piece is made up of a photograph that has been embroidered, painted with blood, and finally mounted onto canvas. In all of the images I act as both the artist and model. The blood is my own.

I am fascinated with insect typology. Insect species number in the millions, their body type and characteristics are vast, and their common names are revealing and show a tendency toward anthropomorphism. The insect images coupled with the image of the body may allude to inherent traits such as virgin, queen, stink, skin, American, giant, long-nosed, etc. The Latin names adhere to the classification of natural phenomena; insects, like all animals, are classified using a hierarchical system.

The embroidered medium is usually associated with craft or "handiwork" and is traditionally considered women's art. Blood symbolizes intimacy and the vehicle of life. It can also speak of shame, inheritance, identity, violence, birth, and death. The combination of blood and stitches are reminiscent of reconstructive surgery and further emphasize the idea of perfecting body parts, of changing the grotesque into the beautiful, the beautiful into the grotesque, and the whole into scrutinized, fragmented components.

Cara Jaye | Bellingham, WA

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