Through my art, I engage in conversations surrounding sexual and relationship violence. My willingness to contribute to these discussions comes from my own personal experience. The narrative that I share and hope to hear in response is one of bravery and resilience. In my work, I aim to create an honest and empathetic dialogue with the viewer, one in which connection can be found through shared vulnerability.

 

This conversation is initiated through the exploration of my feelings and memories via the depiction of imagined bodily sensations. This imagery stems from my interest in small-scale nature and the human body. I tend to associate nature with childlike curiosity, as I recall back to a time when I was constantly fascinated by microbiology, flora, and fauna. This curiosity has come to represent innocence to me. Awareness replaced innocence in me as I dealt with traumatic experiences, so I find the significance of the human body to stand in opposition to that of nature, as I associate my body with awareness. My work weaves together these concepts to present a visual experience of my own personal anguish, emotion, and growth.

 

My combined interest in nature and the human body has led me to clay as a medium. Working with clay has presented me with a uniquely intimate connection to the natural world. When I work with clay, I work with Earth. Overall, my process and choice of medium speaks to the vulnerability and connection behind the brutal content of my work. In many ways, the making has become part of my healing.