Sarah O'Sullivan on MEAT

The disconnection of sexuality from the soul is the inspiration of my piece. My need to release and investigate without judgment inspired me to activate what had been going on. My sexuality was not in my control and I felt I was constantly being taken advantage of and used emotionally and physically. I was not honoring myself and in turn I felt weak and allowed unhealthy patterns rule my life. Then I found that I was just as responsible as anyone. I originally wanted to use the mask to represent the allowance of abuse. The mask is still and smiling while the body expresses what is really going on inside. Is it misuse on my part? Am I living my life in a manner that caused me to feel sexual shame and anger? Or did someone’s personal hand play the part? How did I let it happen and why? I began investigating my inner battle physically. I believe that beginning my process exploring physical movement lead me to experience and release blocks which would restrict my piece from evolving.

I learned something really important about my process. That is that I never need to be afraid of sticking to one idea. By trying many different forms of expression (ie: movement, mask work, text and imagery) I allowed myself to explore ideas without judgment or restriction. It was amazing to see what happened when I would put up a completely new addition and to not worry if it “fits right’. With the guidance and inspiration of the class I was able to develop an arc and give form and a foundation to every moment. By playing I was able to create a piece that I could share with an audience instead of it being an internal expression. I love how the theme changed. It started as the expression of a woman who is a victim of her own sexuality and grew into an empowering comment on violence and one’s ability to explore, embrace, and take power of his or her own body and heal their soul.

As an artist Yoko Ono inspired me in many different ways. Her inspiration affected me personally and proactively. The thing I most admire about her as an artist is that she works from a place that is universal. Her art is not just a statement but it actively supports the connection of all humans, elements, and space. This is what I get out of her art. Cut Piece is continuously inspiring because the meaning of the piece continues to evolve but it does not lose where it began. It is an international show that traveled all over the world and activated new meanings, interpretations, and effected new people. Thousands of people participated in the piece. I love that she created it for other performers to do as well, male and female. One thing that I love about her as an artist is because she does not just make a statement. She shares herself with the world and in turn gives people opportunity to engage in their own humanity in the presence of others. Having other performers to participate in Cut Piece allows the piece to constantly evolve and grow. It is a gorgeously generous gift to the world and that is how Yoko Ono has inspired me and guided me to progress my work on a more offering level.