Mrs Harris’ Shop, Torrensville – April 2020

Speak to anyone who’s worked with survivors or perpetrators and they’ll tell you the same thing: domestic abuse almost always follows the same script.

Jess Hill in See What You Made Me Do – Power, Control and Domestic Abuse, 2019

‘My story always starts with you’ is a series of gorgeous home interiors that frame the light and energy of young womanhood.

These beguiling scenes—inviting, trusting and intimate—are facets of a terrible secret hiding in plain view.

As you explore the titles and textures of each vignette, you bear witness to the horrors of isolation and coercive control.

Rather than repel, the everywoman silhouette invites us to stay with the art… and start important conversations about what we understand and recognise as the risk factors that lead to intimate partner homicide.

‘My story always starts with you’ comprises 32 scenes in collage on watercolour paper. It is bookended by two self-portraits in acrylic and metal leaf on canvas.

This 34-piece collection is a compelling and powerful contribution to the dialogue around family violence in Australia.

Words by Dee Morris.

Work still available for purchase is listed in my store.

If this has raised issues for you or someone you know, contact 1800RESPECT, the national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling service

Click 1800respect.org.au

Call 1800 737 732

Call 000 if you are in danger