“The ambition for bodily autonomy can take on many forms. The feeling of complete ownership over how your body moves and detachment of its societal expectations. As an avoidance of critique, and response to a lack of physical control regarding the body, I find that the capacity to hide feelings manifests early in many women. A sense of security can translate to ignoring body cues, pain, and performing as if nothing is wrong. Through observing the body’s ability to conceal pain, as well as responding to the exclusionary history of the healthcare system, this body of work titled Ladygirl examines the desire women feel for autonomous control and power. The doll, being a tool for young women to look up to, is associated with naivety, beauty, and is an example of how the ideal female body is instilled in early childhood. The doll aims for perfection and refuses to be ignored. Their soft faces contradict the perception of being a “wound” to others, and to themselves. Completely numb, they continue to hide behind a false confidence, unaware to their stiff nature, and are perfectly content.”