'UTERO' Part of the INTERIORS Collection
My Utero pieces are an ongoing set of works created to de-isolate and share the experiences of those living with endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS and other life hindering diseases.
There's a jagged mountain that women with endometriosis have to conquer in an average day. The pain they push through is one huge feat and the psychological effects can be equally horrific. Waves of anxiety must be pushed past, exhaustion becomes normalised & vital time to recoup from more severe attacks is rarely afforded.
My work aims to give these women a voice, the collection is focused on sharing what they carry under their clothes, behind their achievements and beneath whatever form of mask they wear to protect themselves. These women do all the things they do despite their suffering and it is truly outstanding.
As well as sharing experiences to raise awareness, my collections and exhibits share information which arms women with the knowledge required to get to efficient diagnosis and support.
I believe when diagnosis time averages at over 8 years, such information seems a small technicality but makes for crucial change...
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SPREAD THIS INFORMATION?
Without diagnosis women are left vulnerable in the work place, personal relationships and ironically, in medical environments.
Deciding exactly what to work towards has therefore been a difficult 'chicken and egg' situation. Most medical professionals guarding the gate to proper care have a rudimentary understanding of what Endometriosis actually is and many are still administering drastic and dangerous myths about curing these diseases as factual medical advice.
The shocking reality of this was recently acknowledged and addressed in parliamentary debate in Nov 2021 (available to watch on Youtube) after a push for progress demanded it receive the attention and funding it deserves in 2019, but it is still early days and women living with these diseases are still having to fight just to attain a simple investigative scan or find well-informed or holistic specialists who practice safe treatments once diagnosed, even the quality of diagnosis techniques can vary wildly.
The more I researched, the more shocking first hand accounts poured in from women and it's safe to say the same heartbreaking situations have repeated over and over for too many people.
I'm creating an information directory, to portal women straight to the best sources of up to date support and information, along with some basic 'top tips' for living with endometriosis - This will be published here once the first set of works is ready to go to exhibition in Spring '22.
'Display Table'
Intaglio Painting
Whilst the NHS struggles to keep up with an ever-growing list of patients waiting for aid, educating women about what a healthy period looks like and the support and investigations they can reach for themselves is a measure which allows for and sympathises with the NHS's current challenges whilst simultaneously increasing the chance of a diagnosis and is thus, a life-changing first step.
This, (along with booklets produced & distributed with my work) enables women to begin learning how to live & cope with this disease & how to fight their corner
Diagnosis reduces exposure to abuse & neglect & avoids the chance for the disease to progress to a severe degree before a person can decide how they wish to tackle or treat it from a safe & educated position
This country is filled with incredibly strong women fighting hard to continue working, parenting & contributing to our society & economy. They deserve diagnosis & back up & the chance to manage their own options for going forwards with their lives.
'Escritoire'
WE ALL HAVE A STORY TO TELL
My campaign & artworks aim to...
- Improve ultrasound methods to aid diagnosis
- Raise awareness & educate women on how to avoid delays in support & diagnosis
- Share peoples stories
- Are you a specialist working with endometriosis or someone living with endometriosis in your life? You can share your story or give a quote for my exhibition booklet which is being put together now ready for exhibitions & campaign.
- Employers - are you one of the rare few who support women with endometriosis fighting to work? You can register as an endo-friendly employer with www.endometriosis.co.uk & share your story in my exhibition leaflets & blog - email us at s.j.somersart@gmail.com Or if you’re working for/with a supportive employer - you can share how that support has improved your work experience.
- Are you a gallery owner who wants to show this campaign collection or stock my work? You can email s.j.somersart@gmail.com or call 07724635623 between 9-5 Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri.
