ARTIST STATEMENT

Throughout undergrad, I consistently returned to aspects of the human body that are often hidden, misrepresented, or forgotten about. I found inspiration in the parts of anatomy that are unseen, but not unimportant.

In utilizing this imagery, I am able to emphasize the natural ornamental qualities of anatomy through art. I draw upon my experiences with death, disease, and injury as inspiration, and in turn I hope to illustrate these heavy moments as beautiful, intricate, and worthy of adorning ourselves with.

My senior BFA thesis, Celebration of Life, featured anatomical art in the context of adorning the spaces we exist in. By incorporating the work into objects meant to adorn spaces we inhabit, I give the work a place to exist when off the body— elevating its importance. No longer is it relegated to spend most of its existence within a box or drawer. It has a space off the body to be displayed and cherished. Within the context of the wallpaper, these pieces exhibit a subtle beauty— the same subtle beauty that the anatomical structures they are based off of exhibit within our bodies. Just as the spine is hidden behind flesh, the pieces are hidden within the display, there to be seen by those who truly search.

Often, my material choices are influenced by the medical industry. When combined with precious metals, like sterling silver, I am able to further illustrate the invaluable capabilities and beauty of our bodies and the systems that make them up.