The central theme of "Make Me" is inspired by sisters. My sisters.

"Hands up" from Make me
2005

With "Make Me" I'm delving into this fascinating territory. Exploring the intricate and subtle relations between sisters. Combatants one moment, allies the next. But never static, always working their way through the challenge of inter-sibling co-existence. Another aspect of "Make Me" are the smaller pieces of "sisterless", disgruntled toddlers.

With these pieces I sought to continue my practice of exploring human emotion as it really is. Moving sharply away from the stereotypes that small people are often forced into. These girls haven't adopted the emotional self-censoring ability that many of we adults have on autopilot. Their interaction with the viewer is confrontational and often complex. As with the sisters they demand to be understood, not to be diminished but seen as complete people - rich and interesting beings.

Perhaps my inspiration for "Make Me" springs from an urge to atone for my eldest-sister-sins. Perhaps I'm trying to make them feel guilty for not being able to come to Ottawa for the opening. (Sigrid's in Paris, Erica's in Hawaii and Gretch, well, it's a long story but she's not coming either.) Mostly though, "Make Me" stems from an urge to celebrate the most complicated, and ultimately rewarding relationships I've got going. I've wanted to throw a blender at each of them but hell, I'd also give them a kidney.

Kirsten Johnson