Vivian Manzardo
Too Strong, Too Soft - Raised copper on blown glass and black stainless steel wire, patinated copper, forged steel, tampon wrapping and thread, poplar wood, stoneware,forged steel, thrifted toolbox and paper.i forged a hammer today.
i am unsure how
it fits into my art but
i forged a hammer today.
and it feels important
it feels like a small act of
defiance
towards a society that still
does not expect me
to be able
to forge a hammer.
so, when i was done
i made another one.
– “defiance”
“Too Strong, Too Soft” is a mixed-media installation that reclaims craft as a feminist tool for resistance and bodily autonomy. Combining blacksmithing, ceramics, glass and jewellery, this degree project challenges patriarchal structures, gendered labour, and the ongoing stigmatisation of female-identifying bodies. Through the sculptural works “Breathe”, “How Heavy is Your Period (Product)?”, and “Tools of Resilience” the installation traces a journey from intimate bodily experience to public protest.
Combining material experimentation with poetic writing and critical analysis, “Too Strong, Too Soft” reclaims craft as a space for political expression and bodily autonomy, transforming emotions such as anger, shame and frustration into forms of creative resistance.
How Heavy is your Period (Product)? - Patinated copper, forged steel, tampon wrapping and thread.
Breathe - Raised copper on blown glass, natural occurring patina and black stainless steel wire