Heather Roth
“SOCIETAL PRESSURES ARE EXPECTATIONS THAT AFFECT THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY, OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF IT, LIKE THE PRESSURE TO GET MARRIED AND HAVE CHILDREN. SOCIETY, WHICH IS AT THE ROOT OF SOCIETAL, HAS BEEN USED SINCE THE 1500S TO MEAN ‘FRIENDLY ASSOCIATION WITH OTHERS.’” – Webster Dictionary
This series of mixed media paintings was created out of a growing awareness of the scripted and seemingly relentless series of questions we are all asked throughout our lives. When are you getting married? When are you having a baby? When are you having another baby? Do I know your work? Have you sold any work yet? Are you going to stop working now that you have all those babies? These “friendly associations” are mostly well-intentioned small talk, approached benignly, as one might bring up the weather. I am certain I’ve asked at least seven people today some form of one of those questions myself. But when I recently found myself under the scrutiny of society’s “friendly associations,” with such questions being asked of me repeatedly, and in quick succession, they began to feel like little stones accumulating in my pocket. And so I painted these paintings to try and lighten the load.
For more information about the artist, please visit her website.