Artist Statement:

I want to examine the value of comfort and vulnerability as a queer artist. My interest in exploring comfort and emotion stems from a lack of transparency regarding mental health from broader society. That being said, my current body of work evolved around my own needs for space and inclusion. It is important that my pieces are not only a form of escapism for my own traumas, but that they also hold safe spaces for my audience. Safe spaces to me consist of pastel colors, soft fabrics, and varying textures.

My practice is run by my emotions and is very intuitive, perfection is never the goal. I intend for this body of work to explore texture, emotion, and the relationship between hard and soft. The textiles within this body of work are all scavenged, whether they were found in thrift stores, gifts from friends and family, or my old clothing. The reuse of materials, textiles especially, is important to me because capitalism has instilled the ideas of fast fashion, excess consumer consumption, and objects having finite uses.

Connecting with my pieces on a physical plane was to be a key factor in presenting my final installation. Sadly, that has been taken away due to events beyond my control as an artist, so instead I have chosen to photograph my work and create images that I hope will make my audience feel happy, sad, lonely, connected, and in the end: comforted. Magic.