Table Talk

Assemblage of objects, embroidery, on table. 30”x47”x38”, 2019.

Table Talk addresses the socially taboo topic of sexual health education.

This piece was created in response to the reversion of the sexual education curriculum in 2019. Many vital topics were removed from student’s sexual education such as consent, contraception, sexual orientation, and much more.

At the supper table, topics such as sexual education and politics are not to be talk about, instead the conversation is diverted to topics like the weather. However, avoiding or extracting these important conversations have damaging and life altering affects. Therefore, I have placed a variety of sexual health objects back on the table as they need to be talked about. Table Talk’s goal is to create conversation and education to all who see it. There are a variety of objects that are labeled on the table to see, learn, and ask questions about; such as birth control salt shakers, dental dam place mats, tampon tea bags, soft menstrual cups, condoms, pap & std tests, and so much more. This table setting is unconventional, and the uncomfortableness that people may feel when viewing just helps to further my message.

Artist Statement

Vanessa Ervin is currently a third-year Women's Studies Master Student at the University of Ottawa; her research focuses on the importance of creative methodologies in Settler Colonial Education Systems. She attended Lakehead University for her undergrad, majoring in an Honours Bachelors Of Fine Arts and minoring in Women’s Studies. Ervin is a multidisciplinary artist, with interests in mediums such as drawing, sculpture, multimedia, photography, fabric work, painting, and graphic design. Ervin is a feminist activist artist that is passionate about promoting change through conversation, art, and education.

Ervin’s work often focuses on topics such as gender, sexuality, and the social constructs of masculinity/femininity.

Ervin’s works are heavily research and content based, including a variety of feminist topics. Her pieces often include detailed penmanship, tactile sculptures, interactive pieces, and realism styles. Ervin’s hope is to create open dialogue with her art pieces in order to create change.