My current work is the result of a complete wiping away of the work I had been making for years. I decided to make a journey for myself, unloading and ripping away the pretexts and formality of the work I had fallen into a habit with. When I was in Art School, I was powerful and strong with my work, I pushed boundaries and tested limits. But as the years between art school and life extended, my work became closed down and buried under notions of making something “pretty”, showing off skill and thinking that somehow, that would be enough. But there is only so much hiding one can do within oneself, and luckily for me, I had finally hit that breaking point.
I cleansed my studio, layered paintings on top of themselves in the back space, created a drawing wall and began with simple charcoal and paper. I came back to myself, making portraits that I increasingly pushed for more bravery within myself to push more out of the way. I continue to realize my body as communication, and to face more and more truths with my body. My body has survived many atrocities and glories over the years. I have birthed two amazing girls, I have nursed them and carried them. I have broken bones, discovered illnesses, disregarded my body’s worth, harmed it, pampered it and embraced it, and pushed it to its limits. It has bled, healed, succumbed, released, and endured. Every day is another reality with in this flesh, another truth I must face.
Through this exploration, I have discovered a universal woman who stands steadfast in our current political atmosphere. This woman I portray in my work comes from a primal place. She is strong and wild, she withstands, but not politely. She growls in her confrontation, and is still not afraid to be introspective. This woman is fierce and mature, flexing her muscle from all she has endured, and will use it to prove her strength now. She carries within her the seeds of change, and although they are not fresh blossoms, they are still vital and valuable.