Jada Tuffin

Artist Statement 

Drawing Portfolio Fall 2024

In this semester I explored relatively new mediums for me. Working with charcoal and ink was a challenge because, most of my work is characterized by my incredibly light hand and delicate, thought-out movement. So, using ink and charcoal really pushed me to become comfortable with bold non planned strokes. 

This portfolio directly reflects the emotions I’ve been going through this semester. I really wanted to explore anatomy while portraying vulnerability and complex emotions. At the end of last spring I was cut from the varsity soccer team and was forced to stop playing. I have been grappling with the deep complex emotions of returning to campus, a place I once walked with such purpose and belonging. Now feeling meaningless, like a ghost walking in the shadow of the dream I built. Unable to tell my friends that I want to transfer and play soccer again. Unable to justify what had happened to me, or my choice to stay. 

Ultimately I learn to prioritize my needs as life is too short to give up doing something you love because you are afraid of risk. As painful as the journey was and how difficult it was to carry these feelings alone, it was a crucial developmental period in my understanding of life. Of risk. Of realizing that you don’t have to keep living a life that no longer fits you. You can build a new one.