‘Cut Stitch’ is a series of 5 cross-stitches on the theme of Female Genital Mutilation (F.G.M.)  It is based on the idea of samplers that  mothers traditionally make when their children are born.  Using these engaging and exposing pieces in a non-confrontational way, it is my aim to raise public awareness about the issue of F.G.M.   

They feature British and African images highlighting the cross-cultural issues found with F.G.M.  Three of them are challenging some commonly held myths about F.G.M. and the other two show the cross-stitch in its original state and then in a distressed form.  This latter one was the subject of the film I showed as part of my final Masters exhibition at DJCAD in 2017.  It shows me ripping up the writing with a razor blade and a needle. 

I would like to thank Julie Fielding , Sam Phillips and Suzie Marr for their help with making the cross-stitches and John Liddell for the poster image.