Artist Statement

Coming to Interlochen as a first-year senior, I was confused about the direction of my art and was timid about sharing or understanding my process. As I have worked through the thesis cycle, my art has transformed as equally as I have. Personal tenacity and a will to move beyond the stereotypical structure of Midwestern, middle-class America inspired me to transfer schools and stretch myself as an artist and individual. Understanding, tenacity, and grit are to understand my art, which is a direct reflection of myself.

I lead an incredibly private life. This concealment is why I prefer to record low-level details about other people. I prefer to focus and try to understand why other people have left behind particular objects from their life and how I, a total stranger, have come to feel connected to a seemingly random article.

Exploring the meaning of privacy and intimacy through the collection and observation of tangible aspects from significant moments that strangers unknowingly gave away. In contrast, I struggle to allow others into my guarded being. This contrast between myself and my art culminates in surrealistically capturing the falsehood and idealism surrounding the American dream while I move outside my traditional comfort zones. Understanding the limits of my community, I began to dress, think, and even interact differently with my peers.

I analyze these concepts which manifest themselves through manipulation of film, experimental cameraless photography, and painting, which allows me to explore the ideas surrounding personal concealment and decay more fully. I have intended to make a statement about the conception, creation, and ultimate demise of society itself.