Statement
In painting, I utilize acrylic to create large pieces generally textured to the touch,
circular visually, and illuminated from the center outward. Illumination is a celebration of
the naturally occurring inner light that combats negative outside influence or invasion.
It is symbolic of individuals' unfailing inner strength. The circular aesthetic is
simultaneously symbolic of wholeness and completion, emptiness and void, and is
utilized in this work to explore femininity, boundaries, resistance, conflict, and
fulfillment. The work is textured to add depth, complexity, and to encourage viewer
engagement. It is connected to the writing as it serves as a separate language, a
conduit for concepts I am unable to convey with the written word.
In writing, I am focused on my first book, a memoir, tentatively entitled Taut, in which I
depict the pull I experience between the rural family I left and the urban life I have
chosen for myself. Taut is an account, written from the perspective of the woman I
have become, documenting my experiences coming of age in an abusive lower class
family divided by sexual impropriety, addiction, mental illness, conflicting beliefs about
God, and strict adherence to gender roles. It touches on my parents’ experiences, and
then follows mine as my sister and I respond to our family’s dysfunction by acting out,
each of us carrying the repercussions of our behavior into a new life.
The writing and painting combined are indicative of my desire to communicate with the
world via extensive personal accountability. My work in both these mediums is not only
a challenge to confront my history and own myself, but a celebration of myself as well.
These expressions combined also function as an extensive coming out process,
through which I connect with and create community. My intent is to create work pulled
from true to life experiences, interpreted and revealed through the lens of my own
understanding, that is creatively expressed, visually appealing, engaging to read, and
is capable of raising awareness or inciting social change.