As an artist, my goal is to evoke a sense of beauty that draws the viewer in from a distance, only to gradually reveal a deeper, more unsettling narrative. My work explores the complex intersections of physical disability, military service, and mental health, using a wide range of materials—including ceramics, crepe paper, and fabric. Through these mediums, I aim to convey themes of resilience and transformation, blending botanical elements with clinical and anatomical imagery to create a tension between the natural and the medical.
A central motif in my most recent work is the use of medical gauze, which I dip in ceramic slip and drape over sculptural forms, such as dome-shapes to create headpieces. This process speaks to the my medical history enduring two neurosurgeries, as well as the complexity of healing and survival. The gauze, becomes a tactile symbol for the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength.
Much of my practice is rooted in a concept I’ve developed over the last decade: The Adorable War. This metaphorical framework reflects my personal journey following an unreported military sexual assault, and it challenges the traditional narratives surrounding the hierarchy among combat and non-combat veterans. It also addresses the ongoing battle with PTSD and the various coping mechanisms that accompany it. The whimsical, almost fairytale-like imagery I incorporate acts as a mask, a way to navigate and survive the realities of my daily life.
The color palette I use—soft pinks, light blues, and pastel yellows—creates a sense of joy, but when paired with darker themes and imagery, it creates tension that reflects the complexity of trauma and resilience. My work is a constant dialogue between beauty and discomfort, and champions the battle against suppression of expression.
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