Ceramic handbag

For me, the handbag is the perfect symbol of the invisible mental load that many women carry. It holds more than just personal items: it’s filled with foresight, care and responsibility. Inside, you’ll often find handkerchiefs, headache tablets, a spare mask, items gathered to prepare for life’s unexpected moments, not just for themselves but for others, too. These handbags represent the constant balancing act of managing their own needs while often supporting those around them.

In contrast, many men navigate daily life with just a phone, wallet, and keys tucked into their pockets, some even slipping a few of these essentials into their partner's handbag. Through these ceramic sculptures, I highlight the unseen burden of this emotional labor, turning the handbag into a symbol of care, resilience, and the often-overlooked weight women carry in their everyday lives.