
I research spirituality, religious practices, and mythologies that allow me to contextualize and question my childhood beliefs of the afterlife and divinity. As I look into ancient and contemporary belief systems, from ancient Greek to New Age religions to 19th century funerary customs – these symbolic natures are constantly juxtaposed with my Christian upbringing and provide an alternate understanding of my human essence.
While looking into specific belief systems, I uncover the commonality and reoccurring themes present in most systems. The issue of mortality is present in all systems that attempt to answer questions about death and life after death. Working through research and art-making, I am then asked to confront my own mortality. Many times the work being made is a manifestation of my anxieties and longing to understand or grapple with my inevitable death and the death of others. Thus I feel the need and urgency to use materials and mark-making that allows my energy and presence to exist after a work is completed. The production of work also serves as a pictorial diary or a self-therapy that puts me in a meditative state. The final product is then a record of a previous state of mind.
While looking into specific belief systems, I uncover the commonality and reoccurring themes present in most systems. The issue of mortality is present in all systems that attempt to answer questions about death and life after death. Working through research and art-making, I am then asked to confront my own mortality. Many times the work being made is a manifestation of my anxieties and longing to understand or grapple with my inevitable death and the death of others. Thus I feel the need and urgency to use materials and mark-making that allows my energy and presence to exist after a work is completed. The production of work also serves as a pictorial diary or a self-therapy that puts me in a meditative state. The final product is then a record of a previous state of mind.