My surroundings aggravate me, alarm me, and yet inspire me. My work is constructed from my opinions that I want to advocate. I am focused on the duality of life and death, and society’s view of this. I search for answers as to why we as humans create catalysts for death and yet fear the coming of death. Through visual art, I communicate and bring awareness to these controversies.
Stand TallEpaulets: Sterling Silver, Brass, Sewing Needles, Embroidery Thread, Suede
2015
Stand Tall is a pair of feminine epaulets that hold a feminist stance on the role of women in society. Traditionally, epaulets were a form of armor and used as protection. Contemporarily, epaulets are an ornamental piece of insignia of rank. This sculpture represents the pain women have endured to gain the status they hold today. She used the tools she is accustomed to, that being embroidery thread and needles, to show her strength. The epaulets are to be worn with pride as females have earned their equality in society. The wearer must stand tall with confident posture for if she is not standing tall the needles with penetrate.
Flowers are a symbol of life, love, beauty, etc. However, the relief of two flowers reflects a personal connection. As a Rochesterian, lilacs communicate my roots. The orchid, a symbol of strength, displays how I have grown from my mother, as orchids are her favorite flower. I have not personally fought for women’s rights; it is the current generation of women that work to keep our rights as equals to men. We must recognize the progress we have made throughout history, and appreciate our roots as a woman.
2015
Stand Tall is a pair of feminine epaulets that hold a feminist stance on the role of women in society. Traditionally, epaulets were a form of armor and used as protection. Contemporarily, epaulets are an ornamental piece of insignia of rank. This sculpture represents the pain women have endured to gain the status they hold today. She used the tools she is accustomed to, that being embroidery thread and needles, to show her strength. The epaulets are to be worn with pride as females have earned their equality in society. The wearer must stand tall with confident posture for if she is not standing tall the needles with penetrate.
Flowers are a symbol of life, love, beauty, etc. However, the relief of two flowers reflects a personal connection. As a Rochesterian, lilacs communicate my roots. The orchid, a symbol of strength, displays how I have grown from my mother, as orchids are her favorite flower. I have not personally fought for women’s rights; it is the current generation of women that work to keep our rights as equals to men. We must recognize the progress we have made throughout history, and appreciate our roots as a woman.
Bicornuate Uterus with OophorectomyContainer: Copper | Necklace: Fine Silver, Copper, Beads
2013
Women take efforts to discontinue their fertility with forms of birth control and medical procedures. Other times, nature plays a role in reducing a woman’s fertility. This piece represents both a natural cause and a medically induced cause of infertility. A bicornuate uterus is a heart shape uterus. Women with this unusual uterus are more likely to have miscarriages. An oophorectomy is a medical procedure in which the ovaries are removed. When the ovaries are removed from this uterus container, they can be worn around the neck and flaunted by the wearer.
2013
Women take efforts to discontinue their fertility with forms of birth control and medical procedures. Other times, nature plays a role in reducing a woman’s fertility. This piece represents both a natural cause and a medically induced cause of infertility. A bicornuate uterus is a heart shape uterus. Women with this unusual uterus are more likely to have miscarriages. An oophorectomy is a medical procedure in which the ovaries are removed. When the ovaries are removed from this uterus container, they can be worn around the neck and flaunted by the wearer.
Unity of Life Brooch: Sterling Silver, Brass, Pearl
2013 The union of brass and sterling silver represent the union of two beings. At the top, a pearl has emerged, representing the creation of new life. This art nouveau inspired brooch moves like a skeleton as each section is connected by a hinge. |
Contemporary Funerary Mask Head Dress: Copper, Cigarettes
2013 I can imagine my ten year old self dancing around with this head dress on at our rural land in Prattsburg, New York. As many members of my family were smokers, cigarette butts littered the stone drive way and yard. My grandfather paid me a penny for every cigarette butt I collected, hence the use of copper on this piece. “Contemporary Funerary Mask” was my personal reaction to my grandfather’s diagnosis of lung cancer. Influenced by King Tut’s funerary mask, this piece is made to be worn by the living that consciously kills themselves with tobacco products. This piece portrays my opinion and analysis of said products and their relationship to the human body. I search for answers as to why we as humans create catalysts for death, and yet fear the coming of death. |
Mortality TicsBolo tie: Sterling Silver, Fine Silver, Brass, Watch
2013 This piece was my reaction to my grandfather’s death. The eagle was his favorite animal as it is a symbol of our country, as well as a symbol of strength, courage and immortality. Inversely, skulls are a memento mori, or reminder of death. The eye of the eagle skull in this bolo is a watch face, to remind the viewer and wearer that even to that that is immortal, life is timed. |