Artist Statement
My sculptures focus on how mental illness feels on a personal level through the use of clay as my chosen medium. Because of clay’s innate characteristics, research has shown that the use of clay in therapy can help alleviate depression and other mental illnesses. This connection between material and mental health fascinates me. I use clay not only have finished sculptures for other people to relate to, but also to uplift my own mental state through the process of creating. The ability to alleviate mental illnesses through art truly inspires me to create.
It is my desire that my work will not only bring to light mental health issues within society but also create an open dialogue-- a moment or place where these issues can be spoken about freely, without judgment or ridicule. When society silences the conversation about mental illness, those who are in need of help are left feeling as though they cannot ask for help, thus feeling even more isolated than before. I hope to connect with other people on a vulnerable level that is not often spoken about in person. If I can silently open up this conversation through my art, my hope is that I can help begin erasing the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging people to seek the professional help they need.
Majority of my work utilizes patterns and repetition, my methods may seem tedious and time consuming for some, but for me the process helps to slow down time and allow me to process reality at my own pace. Smooth repetitive motions help me to de-stress and provides me the mental space to work through difficult emotions. Small chaotic details within a piece help me to process the anxiety I’m going through while creating the artwork.
I am currently exploring wall hung pieces and asymmetrical coil pots. My wall pieces are abstract, using textures to relay my mental state at the moment of creation. I use a purposeful color palette to describe my feelings; monotone drab colors often express depression. I try to find patterns that reflect how my mental illness feels in my head; a piece expressing my anxiety might utilize a lot of small chaotic pieces whereas a piece on an eating disorder might utilize jagged shapes. Visualizing how my mental illnesses feel is a therapeutic way to help me recognize certain destructive thoughts, so I am quickly able to shut down that way of thinking or find a task to reroute my train of thought.
Overall, the important part for me is that with each piece I create I learn about myself a little more, and in turn I am able to help manage my own mental illness.