weaponizing cuteness.
Artist Statement:
Art has always been a constant companion in my life, and it is through this creative lens that I process and confront the complexities of my experiences. My work often takes on a whimsical, childlike quality, with the work serving as surrogates for a lifetime of encounters. These seemingly playful pieces are more than just visual delights; they are deeply personal artifacts that reflect my ongoing dialogue with the world. As a child, I was labeled as overly emotional. I felt like I needed to shrink all my feelings down to become more digestible for others. Now, I allow these emotions to run free, as my work becomes storage for these emotions. The charm and innocence in my art act as a counterbalance to darker themes, capturing the boundless nature of childhood while also acknowledging the shadows that accompany it.
Through mediums such as clay, fiber, sculpture, digital manipulation, and screen printing, I explore the intersection of innocence and complexity. I am particularly drawn to secondhand materials, both for their sustainability and the stories they carry from their past lives. Sewing, a skill passed down from my mother, is also an essential part of my practice. The contrast between "hard" materials like ceramics and sculpture and "soft" materials like fabric and fiber creates a tension in both form and content. This duality, combined with digital illustration and photo manipulation, adds depth and complexity to my work.
By merging the whimsical with the profound, I seek to weaponize cuteness as a means of confronting complex emotions. I navigate complex emotions through this tension, transforming painful experiences into something soft, approachable, and vulnerable. By sharing this journey through my work, I invite the viewer to reflect on their own experiences with curiosity, vulnerability, and resilience.