"I have been making hand-fabricated dresses for several years. The series was conceived after the passing of my mother five years ago, and continued after the unexpected and traumatic passing of my daughter a year and a half ago. After my daughter’s death I revisited the dresses, reworked some and fashioned several new ones. Although the clothes are three-dimensional, they are also a canvas for me. I am drawing, painting and printing body-related imagery on their surfaces – in many cases sewing the imagery into the garments. It is fitting to be hand sewing as my mother emigrated from Eastern Europe and worked in the garment industry. She held her family together and struggled to find a voice in her new country. In contrast, my daughter was completely at home in the modern world. She admired, loved and drew strength from her grandmother. My intent with Presence/Absence is to imbue familiar clothes with powerful associations of memory and loss, as well as with the rich relationship between generations."