Clay and Bones

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Told with unflinching honesty and a touch of gallows humor, this personal memoir recounts the journey of the first female forensic sculptor in the FBI. Lisa Bailey, initially unaware of her path in death, was drawn to a forensic artist position that allowed her to use her artistic skills to assist victims of crime. Her work involved documenting crime scenes, photographing charred corpses, and digitally retouching disembodied heads of suicide bombers. However, it was facial approximation—sculpting a face from an unidentified victim’s skull—that captivated her most. By capturing a likeness in clay, she aimed to aid in identification and help law enforcement find the killers. As Bailey tackled hundreds of cases, she became a subject matter expert, finding the work both challenging and fulfilling. However, her life took a drastic turn when she faced sexual discrimination and harassment. Shocked by the FBI management's protection of her abusers and their retaliatory tactics, she felt trapped in a hostile environment. Infuriated by the hypocrisy, Bailey resolved to fight back. This memoir not only details her unique and surreal experiences as a forensic artist but also serves as a powerful commentary on resilience and the fight against injustice.