Artist Statement

I am forced to feel the constant discomfort that lives within my body. My work happens to be the perfect outlet for figuring out how to live with ptsd and the dysmorphia that comes along with it. Using different print, illustration, and painting techniques,  I create disgusting creatures that are in a place of solitude forever. There is no helping the creatures, all you can do is stare at them and feel bad. There’s no way I could draw, print, or  paint myself to describe how I feel. This is because nobody is disgusting, and I refuse to use a body to portray my disgusted feelings towards myself. . 

My creatures are made from various animal, bug, or human parts that I feel connected to. Either it be a crab for its hard shell, or larva for its slimy exterior. I understand humans feel sensitivity for animals, and this is why it’s important to use animal imagery. My creatures are vulnerable, and need to be cared for by the viewer. One could describe my creatures as “Frankenstein- esque.” For example, I have created a creature with a boar head, human torso, and crab arms. I’ve even given a crab human breasts and female genitals. This crab creature lives inside a circular vignette where it is the constant center of attention. It can’t move, and is forced to live still inside of the paper. Occasionally, I will use satire by using text to make fun of real life events that have happened to me. This helps the piece connect to the viewer and myself   by laughter. Even if my work includes satirical text or just imagery, there is never a sense of comfortability. My creatures desire empathy, but need acceptance. 

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