As an artist and survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I have been looking for a way convey the enormity of this societal problem. Childhood sexual abuse is largely ignored, either it's because it's simply to ugly to look at or because the public is in denial. I want to use my art to change that and to use it reach out to other survivors and ask for their help in informing the public.
This project is about putting our hands up to say “It happened to ME” I want to be counted and I want others like me to be counted. I am collecting handprints from survivors of childhood sexual abuse. They will be combined into a single work of art and used as the basis for an installation, an ocean of blue hands that illustrate how enormous this problem is. The installation will be travel to many different venues with the goal being to educate the public and generate interest.
I began collecting handprints in January of 2006. My goal is 5,000 handprints, this is a long term project and probably won't be shown as an installation for a few years. I am showing small groups of the handprints, usually 10 at a time at various locations and will continue to do so .
Already I have received much support and interest, it is most gratifying. By sharing our suffering, I hope to awaken the compassion in others. Thank you.
To find out how you can participate please click on "The Kits"
