Artist Statement and Identity Assignment

Identity Assignment:
I chose to depict myself as internal and contemplative, although I am most definitely an extrovert as well. I wanted to show myself in my most intimate moments, questioning my path in life, my decisions, my purpose. Those moments seem to resolve themselves when I fall back on the belief that everything happens for a reason. I think the quote in the picture expresses that train of thought rather elequently. It is taken from the Desiderata, a copy of which my mother had hanging on her wall in college and later passed down to me. It is drawn on newsprint sketch paper , with my favorite pencil (4B). I chose this media to reference the drawing class that I took a few semesters ago, which inspired me to attempt applying to MassArt full time. I finished the piece by adding pastels and powdered make-up to introduce color and personality to the image.

Artist Statement:
I'm just now beginning to find myself as an artist, so my identity as one seems to be evolving at the moment. I like using a variety of media: paper, fabric, wood, twine, yarn, metal wire, photographs, pencil. I get great enjoyment from the act of sewing, so I often incorporate embroidery into my projects. I tend to make things that represent a certain feeling or memory of mine. Feelings that people might be able to relate to. What it felt like to sit on my Grandmother's porch when I was young. Or the way a broken heart aches. I make things when I am full of emotion and in need of an outlet. When I start a project, I don't always have an idea of what it will be. I like the freedom of changing media and concepts as I go along. Usually a change is made at some point that will remind me of something in particular, visually representing the emotion I'm trying to express at that moment. Being creative is cathartic for me, and making things helps me to feel more balanced. My goal as an artist is to have emotion apparent in my projects, and I would love for people to relate to my work on a personal level.