This years piece is called Reiteration.
I was inspired by my previous wearable pieces using upcycled paper bags, my paper bag shoes, paper bag kitchen witch as well as the image of the Witch.

The evidence for the systemic efforts to stamp out traditional, medicinal and natural practices over the last 600 years or so is overwhelming. Strong, independent individuals (predominantly women) who used intuition and earth energies and resources as a means to heal and communicate were hunted, demonized and burnt alive. The death toll during the witch trials era make it very hard to view it as anything less than an oppressive and manipulating movement. Reclaiming our sovrenity and our rights and re-empower fundamental freedoms, we are given an opportunity to revisit and rethink some of the historical "truths" we've been conditioned to believe. This is a time when we need to revive our inner "Witch" (strong, independent selves) and take back our right to believe, pray and honor in any way we choose without fear of being condemned, judged or dismissed.

For me, this piece speaks to the reclaiming of the creative self power as well as a visual iteration that even though its been harvested, processed and exploited, paper bags (witch) come from the forest (earth) and will return to it.

Throughout my process of having friends and family collect all their paper bags over the last 4 months or so, mentally visualizing and putting creation into action, I honestly got discouraged several times. Deconstructed and reconstructed several times and almost gave up several times. This seems to be part of the process. It's important to recognize that self doubt is a natural occurrence of creation and it is all about pushing through. Just keep going or stop , step back and wait for another inspired moment and then keep going.