"Una (Memento Mori)"
2018
Porcelain with underglaze, glaze, luster
12.5 in. x 6 in. x 6 in.
Artist Statement:
My artwork explores my notions of identity and home through the creation of illustrated ceramic sculptures. Using female figures, iconography, and domestic scenery, I present personal themes of femininity, memory, and mental health to discuss what are ultimately universal experiences. I draw inspiration from historical portraiture for my figure's forms, clothing, and some imagery. Themes like longing, love, fragility, strength, and family have been depicted in art throughout history. Although we often feel isolated in our experiences, looking at women from the past helps me to see that I am not alone and to feel a sense of validation. I hope others can connect to my work in similar ways.
"Una (Memento Mori)" is a porcelain sculpture of a nude woman wearing a skirt resembling a crinoline, while looking at an Amaryllis flower in her hand. A memento mori painting is illustrated on her skirt referencing life, death, pride, knowledge, and vanity.

"Delicate Dependency"
2017
Porcelain with underglaze, glaze, paint, varnish
19 in. x 10 in. x 8.5 in.

Artist Statement:
My artwork explores my notions of identity and home through the creation of illustrated ceramic sculptures. Using female figures, iconography, and domestic scenery, I present personal themes of femininity, memory, and mental health to discuss what are ultimately universal experiences.  I draw inspiration from historical portraiture for my figure's forms, clothing, and some imagery. Themes like longing, love, fragility, strength, and family have been depicted in art throughout history.  Although we often feel isolated in our experiences, looking at women from the past helps me to see that I am not alone and to feel a sense of validation. I hope others can connect to my work in similar ways.
"Delicate Dependency" is a porcelain sculpture of a woman with a cascade of white flowers climbing up her dress and torso to wrap around her eyes. Although blinded, she has a far-off look of bliss. The cascade consists of flowers that each symbolize a positive emotion associated with marriage. A domestic scene is illustrated on her dress, rife with symbolism suggesting complacency and time.  This piece is about the delicate dependency that is my marriage. My husband and I have both struggled with depression and anxiety for many years. In our relationship, we take turns leaning on each other when the load becomes too heavy for one or the other, so we have become dependent on each other in many ways. While beautiful, positive, and often necessary for us, dependency is a delicate situation that can easily lead to complacency and helplessness. This piece is about that balance.
Mental health is an important issue that is often minimized or ignored. In recent years, we have seen an emerging push to break the silence and end the stigmas associated with it. By opening up the conversation and discussing our struggles, we can see and learn from our similarities and begin to heal.

"Flutter"
2017
Porcelain with underglaze, glaze, china paint, luster, paint, varnish
18.5 in. x 9 in. x 4.5 in.
Artist Statement:
My artwork explores my notions of identity and home through the creation of illustrated ceramic sculptures. Using female figures, iconography, and domestic scenery, I present personal themes of femininity, memory, and mental health to discuss what are ultimately universal experiences. I illustrate emotionally honest imagery that is both specific to me and relatable to others. By providing viewers with these images and no explanations, I invite them to imagine their own narratives.
I use porcelain and Rococo imagery to reference decorative objects from the past.  I intend to create a sense of familiarity, as many of us were raised around objects like figurines, commemorative plates, and framed paintings. I draw inspiration from historical portraiture for my figure's forms, clothing, and some imagery. Themes like longing, love, fragility, strength, and family have been depicted in art throughout history.  Although we often feel isolated in our experiences, looking at women from the past helps me to see that I am not alone and to feel a sense of validation. I hope others can connect to my work in similar ways.
"Flutter" is a porcelain sculpture of a mother holding her baby, while illustrated moths gather towards it. This piece is about the mixture of longing and anxiety I have for motherhood.

Artist Statement about "Moth" series:
In my artwork, I explore my notions of identity. Using personal themes of memory, domesticity, femininity, and mental health, I discuss what are ultimately universal experiences.
For this series, I have sculpted contemplative women who are illustrated with moths and light sources. For me, the moth is related to my mental health. Moths are nocturnal creatures that display colorful yet dark and complex patterns. Although beautiful, people often disregard them as mere insects or mistake them for butterflies. I find the duality of the moth and its fluttering movements to be like a physical representation of my thoughts. I include light sources as symbols of positivity, representing the mental state I strive for.
The concern for women's mental health has come a long way since the days of feminine hysteria. Although there is still some stigma, society is close to being able to discuss it openly. My figurines are displaying their thoughts for everyone in the hope of opening a conversation about women's mental health.