Jandey Shackelford

Jandey Shackelford was born and raised in Gillette, Wyoming but has recently returned from studying abroad in Australia. This experience helped change the perspective of Shackelford and gave her confidence to make her current work while becoming more direct. She plans to continue making work talking about the objectification of women.  

Artist Statement

I create relief blocks with photo digital processes using a laser cutter. With these matrixes, I make multiples and variables. With the same block/blocks I create folded books, quilt-like structures made of prints on paper which are sewn together, and single image solutions.  

I started making artworks based on the comparison of women to other consumable objects such as candy. As I progressed in my creative work, I felt I needed to be more direct with my content and imagery. This change was more apparent when studying in Australia. Instead of having candy represent women, I used my own headless body as a direct allusion to objectification. Through experimentation, I started adding thread and sewn elements. During this process, I was looking at textile artists such as Sally Smart, Pia Camil, and Sarah crowESt for inspiration and information. These artists made me question the importance of textile work and where my work could lead to next. As I continue working, I am constantly  questioning my creative concepts, such as: if the objectification of women has changed with technology, am I objectifying myself by using my own body?  Is this a discussion that needs to continue? 

I use the female human figure to speak about my own history with objectification.