My senior thesis show “Headspace” visualizes how mental illness feels on a personal level through the use of clay as my chosen medium. Because of clay’s innate characteristics, I can manipulate the material to convey different emotions- a soft smoothness for a reassurance of calm while juxtaposing this with a sharpness of an edge, eluding to unapproachability. Creating work in multiples eases my anxiety.  The repetition allows me to achieve a meditative headspace, helping me work through difficult emotions. These small chaotic details help me express and process my anxiety.

It is my desire that this body of 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 feel isolated and are left feeling as though they cannot ask for help. 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 the process of erasing the stigma surrounding mental health can begin and encourages people to seek professional help.