Deborah J. Last
The installation 'Upper Room' comes from over three years of exploration into the concepts of image, self-worth and beauty. It has been an incredible journey producing the work. For many of the women who took part it has been a road into self-evaluation and liberation. The dialogue that is contained within the piece tells the story of this and is flooded with the excitement and enthusiasm that had been part of the collaboration required to produce the piece. There is of course, the darker side of self-doubt and hurt that seem to go hand-in-hand with the consideration of self-image. Upper Room, explores the concepts of beauty, self-worth and faith. The work is a song to challenge the prevailing voice of many contemporary attitudes towards women and body image. It is intended to empower women to believe in who they are and all that they have been given in God. It is a celebration that could just as easily be titled 'Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.' Deborah works full time from her art studio in the beautiful Stowe Gardens, in Buckingham. She has used her work within the church context for many years helping other to access their faith through creativity and artistic engagement. 3
