object illustration | editorial | workshops | collaboration | research | teaching
object illustration | editorial | workshops | collaboration | research | teaching
Trigger Warning: This autoethnographic object illustration explores body dissatisfaction and bulimia within the childhood home.
Audience discretion is advised.
Autoethnography is a qualitative research method that creatively and reflexively examines personal experience within a cultural context to connect with audiences and contribute to research.
These (figurative, autoethnographic) object illustrations are part of my practice-based PhD research at the Belfast School of Art. They embody my subjective experience, shaped by my sexed, raced, classed, gendered, and disabled identity within sociostructural systems of power. Whiteness informs Western (hegemonic) body ideals, as well as how we research and understand body image. The body image-related findings in this research are not generalisable, though the object- and practice-based findings are.
The object illustrations became part of a workshop design. Laid on the table, they helped engage groups of women in critical discussion and making on cultural body image discourse. The women’s communicative objects questioned and pushed back on pressures and ideals, continuing the conversation through a collaborative exhibition.
If you are affected by the issues raised by this work, please reach out to:
Eating Disorders Association Northern Ireland
All photographs and artwork on this website (and the associated thesis) are taken by and are the copyright of the author unless stated otherwise. The copyright of the photographs of the original object illustrations and paper illustrations published on this website (and the associated thesis) remains with the author, and permission must be obtained to reproduce any image for non-commercial or commercial use. The illustrator-author retains copyright of participant objects, but does not claim authorship. Reproducing images of participant objects is not permitted.
Beverley Irving-Edwards, the (three) birds, 2021, earthenware, underglaze, glaze and ceramic decals, 15 cm x 19 cm x 8.5 cm, Liverpool. © Beverley Irving-Edwards.
The text reads: all the work that is done, from all directions. pass gently two or three times over her eyelids, may I open my eyes, please, I’ll promise to believe whatever you tell me. she repeated
Beverley Irving-Edwards, the sting, 2021, earthenware, underglaze, glaze and decals, 15.5 x 14 x 8 cm, Liverpool. © Beverley Irving-Edwards.
The text reads: Feeling a little ashamed and so dreadfully big; a little frightened. Tears slowly trickled down her aged cheeks. A little girl’s eyes saw. The dear child is fast grown.
Beverley Irving-Edwards, the turn, 2021, earthenware, underglaze, glaze, 13 × 16 × 7.5 cm, Liverpool. © Beverley Irving-Edwards
The text reads: the little girl was worn out, her eyes so occupied and pretending to be. I do think it would be nicer to be a butterfly than a little girl. There was going to be a change. May she grow up as good, if not quite as beautiful- She set herself to hear.
Beverley Irving-Edwards, the wrong genes, 2021, earthenware, underglaze, glaze, decals, and flowers, 19 cm x 29 cm x 11 cm and 15.5 cm x 21.5 cm x10 cm, Liverpool. © Beverley Irving-Edwards.
Beverley Irving-Edwards, drip-drip, 2021, earthenware, underglaze and glaze, Workshop 2, Belfast. © Beverley Irving-Edwards.
Beverley Irving-Edwards, un/comfortably You, 2023, porcelain paper clay, underglaze, glaze, and ceramic decals, 23 cm x 14 cm x 15 cm, I, object exhibition, Belfast. © Beverley Irving-Edwards.
The text reads: Obeying orders. Are you comfortable? With becoming “You” and at the same time, to faithfully be like other people?
Beverley Irving-Edwards, bed, 2023, earthenware, underglaze, glaze and ceramic decals, 16 cm x 8 cm x 11.5 cm, I, object exhibition, Belfast.
The text reads: