Pockets for invisible things

Exhibited at Anteros Arts Centre, Norwich, November 2025. Part of the group exhibition ‘Threads of Connection’.

This embroidered apron, with its multitude of pockets, represents the mental load of motherhood. I connect my piece specifically to motherhood as a part of my identity, but equally it could relate to anyone with responsibility for a loved one’s daily care. Mental load, which some call ‘cognitive domestic labour’, is generally invisible, without boundaries, never-ending, and disproportionately gendered. This artwork aims to make visible the invisible, helping viewers recognise their own mental loads (whether connected to motherhood or not) and consider how the invisible things we carry around with us impact on our identity, productivity and wellbeing.

The pockets in this apron represent weight and burden, but also, something more, perhaps to do with preciousness, safeguarding and protection. Some pockets carry more weight than others. Some things get dropped accidentally or fall through the pocket holes. Some things you carry for longer than others. Many things that are held by mothers/carers are precious and need protection. Everything you carry has an importance. And every time you empty a pocket it immediately gets filled up with something else.