Casualty of Mind and Body

Fall 2023

Artist Statement

My artistic endeavors are deeply rooted in the physical and emotional challenges posed by chronic scoliosis, a condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. My chronic scoliosis has fed into my depression and anxiety because of the pain I experience daily. Through painting, printmaking, and self portraiture I explore my emotions surrounding the never ending cycle of mental illness, physical disability, and loss. Having both mental illness and physical disability has caused a great deal of loss, not only over my future but also over the control I have over my mind and body as well.

In “Habitual Denial ” there is a wounded figure facing away from outstretched hands, denying what is being offered. One of these hands is offering a paper crane, a frequent subject in my work that symbolizes hope and wishes. Senbazuru, the process of creating one thousand paper cranes, originates from an ancient Japanese legend which claims if one thousand paper cranes are created, a wish will be granted. The paper cranes you see in my work symbolize hope and all of the wishes I have made relating to my health.

This series is my Senbazuru where my wish is for me to change for the better. I have all of my cranes now, however, these cranes alone do not fix the problem, they only symbolize wanted change. Creating these self portraits has been a cathartic process for me to come to terms with my future. Through this process, I have been able to find peace, or at least kindness, for myself.

Burroughs Welcome Gallery, Leo Jenkins Fines Arts Center, East Carolina University

In my senior exhibition there was collectively 1000 paper cranes. The cranes count not only included the physical ones in the room, but also the ones depicted in my paintings and prints.