Scotland-based artist Jessica Harrison fuses dainty dresses with sailor-inspired tattoos in her fantastic Painted Lady series. We’ve marveled over these creations before, and it looks like Harrison has even more full skirts and full sleeves to share! The artist finds ceramic sculptures and then uses enamel paint to adorn the figures’ glossy skin with colorful, tiny designs. Anchors, provocative mermaids, majestic birds, and sailing ships are all visible on their bodies.
Harrison’s meticulously-crafted works are an intriguing juxtaposition between two different worlds. Wearing these formal dresses, we’d imagine that these women are the upper crust of society. But, their permanent skin decorations might communicate something that’s more rough and tough – definitely less lady like. It’s an unexpected twist to these antique objects and one that breathes new life into them.
Jessica Harrison: Website
