These sculptural breastplates of women’s personal protective equipment (PPE) present a visual testament to the resilience of women during trying times. Somehow, amidst challenges and difficulties, we manage to clothe ourselves in an armor of fortitude, preserve a sense of humor and perspective, and then face forward. After all, women are so often the heavy lifters for real and sustainable change.

The breastplates are made of several layers of repurposed textile material, then embroidered and stiffened over a plastic torso form. Sometimes small objects have been embedded in the surface. I made these at home and in my backyard during the summer of 2020.