In this series of works, Fortin uses rust-derived iron to trace sections of her body onto pieces of reclaimed cotton while engaging in physical therapy exercises. The pieces are dyed using locally collected plants, then assembled and stitched together.

The first work in the series, Companion, was created during an artist residency at Maison Métier d'Art in Quebec City, QC, and Est-Nord-Est artist-run centre in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, QC.

Companion

body tracing, iron from rust, reclaimed bedding, organic cotton thread, foraged goldenrod and sumac, alum, pieced and hand-stitched, 72 x 72 in. varying, 2021

To a Flower

body tracing, rust-derived iron, reclaimed bedding, organic cotton thread, foraged goldenrod and sumac, alum, cultivated marigold from 2018 - 2022, cultivated coreopsis from 2022, calcium carbonate, citric acid, soda ash, vinegar, wheat bran, 110 x 116 in., 2022-2023

Study For a Future Work

body tracing, hand-stitched, organic cotton thread, iron from rust, reclaimed bedding and denim, foraged goldenrod, sumac and burdock root, alum, vinegar, wheat bran, 15 × 40 in., 2021 and 2024