Pin cushion
“When we are vulnerable we are beautiful.”
This series is not about being Broken, it's about what happens next. it's about rebuilding and healing it's about how growth, strength and pride come with vulnerability, how we all feeI intensely even if we don't show it on the surface. Quite often it is the healing process where we change the most where we explore our scars and reconnect with ourselves. Self harm is an external expression of internal pain, there are so many types of pain that are not only socially acceptable, but are considered necessary for each person to endure, no one is exempt however, the healing process is often hidden and considered shameful if expressed. A part of the freedom of this artform is how it heals, allowing the individual to outwardly display and endure their true emotional self, without judgement and with complete understanding.
Art Direction and Photography - Aaron McPolin
Needle Artist and Taxidermy Artistry - Jessie Walker
Model: Alex Gerrard
Assistant: Nadia Duca
“From the first needle I felt like I was given a gift and at the same time I was treasure. “
We are fascinated by pain endurance and struggle...But hide from the aftermath, we compare stories on the acceptable levels of pain for someone to feel and suitable length of time they can struggle. Needle Art allows the mind to connect back to the body, to find one’s limits, and externally express the internal. Pleasure and pain become intertwined, passing through a series of consensual gates a journey of self-discovery is in motion as the needle artist guides the model’s experience. Our brains response to the physical trauma is to produce a concoction of chemicals, that create a trance like state of lucidity and bliss, enveloping the model known as ‘sub space’ all senses are heightened as the physical self traverses a journey with the mental, emotional and spiritual self.
“ It was like stepping outside of time for just a little while to breath freely. “
“My personal experience with needles is from my childhood, the symbology of needles to me represents my fathers death from type one diabetes, falling into a coma, this struck my long association with needles being perceived as ‘suffering’, not a healing tool, but a necessity and a long-lasting memento to the pain he endured. I wanted to understand how needles have been used to heal the mind, the body, and the soul.” - A. McPolin
The subject began when discussing self-harm and recovery with Needle Artist Jessie Walker when she told me the following:
“My first needle experience came roughly 4 months after a suicide attempt. which had strangely felt like it woke me up after having being asleep for rearly a decade, I felt really lost and was rebuilding myself, I had left my extremly critical and negative partner of 8 years and was focusing on being kind to myself on remembering why i liked myself.
From the first needle I felt like I was given a gift and at the same time I was treasure. When all the needles were in and woven with black ribbon, I felt blissy and relaxed. The look on my needle artists face was one I had never seen, a mixture of acceptance, peace, calm, awe and ... an empathy for the relief I was feeling in that moment , I felt seen and I didn't have to hide my pain, I didn't have to control my reactions or worry about anything outside that moment. It was like stepping outside of time for just a little while to breath freely.
It was the first time in my life I felt beautiful.” - J. Walker
