My current body of work revolves around photography and sculpture. In my creative process and exploration, I delve into the themes of the body, self-image, memory retention, and recall in the aftermath of sustained trauma. However, my intention goes beyond the surface as I aim to venture into the deeper mental, psychological, and emotional dimensions of these experiences. Through my work, I seek to pose questions related to mental health and sustainability, shedding light on the intricate connections between trauma and our self-perception. My artistic practice revolves around a duality of chaos and order, deconstruction and construction, and the processes of learning and unlearning, all serving as maps through the liminal space of transformation. By embracing these dualities, I invite viewers to join me on a reflective and cathartic journey, exploring the profound capacity of art as a channel for personal and collective healing.
The Funny Bunny series initially stemmed from my probing into my childhood and adulthood personal experiences. It all began with an old card that I had crafted at the age of 8. On this card was a simple drawing of a bunny, accompanied by the caption, "Funny Bunny." This seemingly insignificant piece of ephemera sparked a visceral response and began my journey into the trajectory impacts of trauma.
I embarked on a creative recreation of this card, exploring various formal qualities such as size and materials. However, this process was more than just about reproducing an object from my past. It evolved into a multifaceted exploration of researching various intricate aspects of the self-image; simultaneously, I explored ideas behind the complex web of memory recall, the dynamics of the human body, and the ideas of construction and deconstruction as they relate to memory. The bunnies featured in this series took on a profound role. They became a source of light-heartedness, serving as a means to alleviate the weight of both childhood and adult trauma and loss. I began to become emotionally attached to the bunnies and formulate their own autonomy. They became a shield, allowing me to reveal or conceal difficult experiences as needed in my healing and self-exploration.
I am a single mother of a son with autism spectrum disorder. I grew up in South West Ohio, and at the age of 28, I relocated with my son to the Panhandle of Florida. Resuming my educational career, I received my BA in studio arts at the University of West Florida. I am currently working on my MFA in Photography + Integrated Media at Ohio University.