Belle’s Epoque, Buddha’s Babies and Poppie’s Pouffe - are part of a body of work exploring portraiture which I began experimenting with in 2016 and completed in late 2021 for my exhibition RECLAIMED - both literally and in creating a portrait of the medium - playing with both 2 and 3D forms. The 3D works complimented the more complex, time-consuming relief works. I acquired several canvas milliner's hat blocks, which are roughly head shaped and began embellishing them with vintage needlework and beadwork. They are filled with a straw substance, or foam and so are easy to pin in to (the black on black piece is a velour and foam shop mannequin head). Below are some photos of the heads in progress - I found them playful to make and, hope they bring to mind such artists as Louise Bourgeois, Giuseppe Arcimboldo and Ah Xian. Below are photos of the works in their early stages (photos by me) and when completed (photos by Gavin Hansford).