Clay and Bones: My Life as an FBI Forensic Artist

Lisa Bailey is the only female forensic sculptor in the FBI and was a subject matter expert in the field. However, she was subjected to extreme sexual discrimination and harassment, which led to her casework being sabotaged and her being berated in front of coworkers. When the FBI ignored her appeals for help, she filed an Equal Employment Opportunity complaint and was retaliated against for six years. Her memoir, Clay and Bones, aims to expose the culture of discrimination and reprisal and help other women protect themselves.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2024
Publisher: Chicago Review Press

Whenever Lisa Bailey stares at a particularly captivating individual, her mind wanders to contemplate the mysteries hidden beneath their skin. This intriguing fascination began to unfold after she enrolled in the FBIs Forensic Facial Imaging Course, where she encountered the concept of facial approximation. It was an instant captivation that ignited a flame within her.

As the sole female forensic sculptor within the FBI, Bailey embarked on a remarkable journey by recreating the faces of unidentified homicide victims using their skulls. Her dedication and expertise in this field led her to work on hundreds of cases, earning her the status of a subject matter expert. The job itself was nothing short of extraordinary, and she cherished every moment of her involvement.

However, her life took an unexpected turn when new supervisors subjected her to extreme sexual discrimination and harassment. Her casework was sabotaged, she was subjected to derogatory remarks in front of coworkers, cyber-stalked, slandered, and even faced physical threats. Despite her repeated pleas for assistance, the FBI remained indifferent, leaving Bailey feeling helpless and frustrated.

In a desperate attempt to seek justice, Bailey filed an Equal Employment Opportunity complaint against the FBI. What followed was a six-year ordeal of retaliation. Despite the ruling that the FBI had discriminated against Bailey, the individuals responsible for their actions managed to evade any consequences. This devastating experience left Bailey with a profound sense of responsibility to speak out against the culture of discrimination and reprisal and to empower other women to protect themselves.

Clay and Bones, penned with unwavering honesty and a hint of dark humor, serves as a memoir with a clear mission. It delves into the captivating world of a forensic artist, offering a fascinating exploration into the surreal and fulfilling work that Lisa Bailey has dedicated her life to. Through her poignant storytelling, Bailey invites readers to witness the intricate processes and emotional toll of her work, shedding light on the often overlooked contributions of forensic artists in solving crimes and bringing closure to families.

This memoir is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, individuals can rise above their circumstances and use their experiences to make a positive impact on the world. Lisa Bailey's journey is a powerful reminder that we must continue to fight for equality and justice, and to support those who have been marginalized and silenced. By sharing her story, she inspires others to stand up against discrimination and to advocate for the rights of those who have been wronged.

In conclusion, Clay and Bones is a captivating memoir that offers a profound exploration into the world of a forensic artist. Through Lisa Bailey's unwavering honesty and resilience, readers are invited to witness the complexities and rewards of her work. This book serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of equality, justice, and the pursuit of truth. It encourages us to stand up against discrimination and to support those who have been marginalized and silenced. By reading this memoir, we can gain a deeper understanding of the human experience and the impact that one person's determination can have on the world.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 235 x 161 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781641606516