As someone who suffers from mental illness, I am no stranger to vulnerability, and this is a theme that arises in my work. Specifically, I am interested in exploring how vulnerability in storytelling strengthens human connection. As an artist, the most important thing I can do is follow a process of observation and reflection. I find that the little things I observe in my everyday life provide the most meaning in my work.I see light and shadow, faces, stories, human relationships and the connection between self and place. I try to then understand my feelings about these observations and express these emotions through my creative work.
I often work with three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional plane, sourcing materials that are cheap, found, made en masse and easily accessible. In my studio items such as glass vials, toilet paper rolls, yarn and other craft supplies mix with conventional art mediums such as acrylic paint and markers. By working in nontraditional and mixed media I hope to deconstruct the elitism that often creates a barrier between the contrived categories of “artist” and “non- artist”.
Human connection is also paramount in my work. I interview my subjects and include others in my process, whether it be in the various stages of creation, or through interactive elements in the finished work.