Transgressions: Artist Statement

Transgressions:  It is estimated that 65% of psychiatrists know of a colleague who has sexually exploited a client (primarily female).  This work explores the emotional damage incurred when a therapist disregards his/her professional boundaries and engages a client in a sexual relationship.  Bernadine has assembled several pieces inside black boxes.  She calls these "memory boxes."  Chasing Equity is an assortment of items precariously housed in a 4" x 4" black wooden box.  Secrets is an old clamp assembled with a real secret in its clutches and positioned in such a manner that it is impossible to open the clamp and/or reveal the secret.  Dirty Laundry refers to what it feels like to disclose abuse that occurs in adulthood when one is supposed to be healing from and, therefore, stopping that very type of abuse.  Pulling the Stakes Outa My Heart is a visual description of the damage caused by a new betrayal.  One, Reframed, is a work-in-progress and is assembled reusing an oil painting of a counsellor who sexually exploited her client by shredding and then weaving that into a new type of art.  Redefinition is a mixed media piece that includes an original hand-pulled print.  The artist statement for this piece can be found at Aug 8/09 blog.  In addition, you will find "A Cautionary Tale" a short story written on the emotional fallout for a victim of sexual exploitation by a counsellor.

Comments from Guestbook:

"Beautifully haunting and moving images that helps reflect on issues not addressed more often."

"The powerful poem... it made me think."

"Powerful, evocative, heart-wrenching thoughtful works!"

"I hear your healing prayers.  May the healing be complete and no more of the rough stuff for any of us...." (from: Definitely a Sister in Spirit)