In this series I am exploring the social construction of gender by playing with both contradictory and supportive correlations between material, image, and process, in order to present alternative visions of identity. Each metal dress in this series is fabricated from a single sheet of cold-rolled steel. Using a plasma-arc cutter, I create delicate forms resembling textile patterns, images from nature, or forms traditionally associated with women. I am particularly drawn to feminism's acceptance of domestic activities as a valid approach to contemporary art practice. Thus, I consider the making of these steel dresses as “sewing with fire”.