Artist Statement

I create works to help actualize my thoughts on relationships and how standards of treatment are determined. Since childhood, I have found myself to be someone who cares deeply for the objects and creatures around me, personifying them to the point of grief. Though inanimate objects don’t contain the internal narratives I imagine for them, perhaps animals could. As my works visualize my admiration and curiosity for animals’ lives, I’ve began focusing largely on those that have been deemed “disposable” – birds, bugs, fish, woodland critters. I’ve formed a connection between them and my personal experiences with mental and physical health issues; many invisible health issues are brushed aside in the same manner that these animals’ lives are. With my art, I hope to invoke questioning as to why our empathy has invisible limits. My use of campy, cute, and humorous imagery allows for easier access with an aim to make space for harder conversations to be had with people of all ages. If we can more easily find care and connection with these fictional characters, maybe we can cultivate a stronger connection with those around us.

As my cast of characters grow, my interdisciplinary practice allows for me to expand upon them in a variety of mediums and spaces. Most recently, papermaking has been functioning as a way to combine my background of printed matters with my sculptural tendencies. My newfound appreciation for the material has allowed me to see paper as more than just a means to hold an image – it creates a more complete object. Finding care for all elements of my art makes me feel like I’m helping a friend strengthen their voice.