Artist statement
I am pleased to present my latest body of work and a bit of my process and source of inspiration behind the inner workings of my mad hatter-like mind. As a multidisciplinary artist, I work in an array of mediums, including stop-motion animation, sculpture, children’s books, videography, music, and dance. Rather than calling my creative work “art,” I view it as problem-solving. Despite my constant flow of new projects and ideas, it can be challenging to promote and share all my endeavors.
As an individual, I do not consider myself an artist anymore. I believe it is crucial to differentiate between one’s identity and their creative work, which allows for a healthier sense of self-esteem and growth. Creatives must separate themselves from their work. Being too self-engrossed is a risky quality for creatives. It hinders our ability to engage with our surroundings and practice being present. This limited state of being disconnects us from our loved ones and the interconnectedness of our shared experiences, which should always be a source of creative inspiration. We must broaden our thought process to deepen our relationships and find meaning in all aspects of life.
In the last few years, I’ve transitioned from creative work to animal-based work, which has become my primary source of inspiration. Equine-facilitated learning and working with traumatized pit bulls has been the most rewarding transformative experience of my life, allowing me to recover certain aspects of my neurology that had been inactive due to trauma. I have become the most productive I’ve ever been in my lifelong creative career. Through my journey towards balance and wholeness, I have explored various helpful modalities. One of these modalities is somatic experiencing, which my dear friend Ife Mora gifted me with a few healing sessions. During our sessions, I was able to realize my childhood fantasy of being a fairy through guided meditations. During these sessions Santa Claus imagery kept resurfacing, Ife asked “What significance does Santa mean to me.” I responded, since I was very small, I remember the ornate intricately detailed, and thoughtful packages that both my Nana and Mom would give us kids and loved ones.
I have always enjoyed gift-giving and find joy in carefully planning and personalizing gifts for loved ones. Through the support of my animal work and exploring Somatic experiencing healing, I have been able to continue the traditions passed down from my beloved mother and grandmother and stepping up my commitment and deep appreciation through handmade gifts, personalizing my art and creations for my loved ones as well as for my customers. In the previous year, I fulfilled my ambition of philanthropy by donating a significant amount of work to my nearby shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. I was delighted to hear how positively the survivors received my contribution.
I believe that art is priceless and prefer to trade or barter work for services rather than putting a monetary value on it. I take joy in gifting art to loved ones and communities to inspire hope and create value. My work is inspired by faerie lore, and for me being a real-life fairy is in the magic one can practice of love, generosity, and appreciation.
Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to learn from strong women. I often hear my mom’s baby sister, my aunt Caren’s voice saying, “Keep it moving”. A phrase that I often heard Nana repeating through the years. But my aunt Caren’s delivery of this phrase always hit with the perfect inflection that resonated with me. “Keep it moving”, might sound like harsh advice if you don’t take the opportunity to truly process and intellectually unravel what is at the heart of the statement. When stripped of its rawness and misperceived curtness the beauty and profundity of this message promotes creativity, healthy growth, and the avoidance of stagnation. I apply this mantra to my physical and emotional well-being daily. Approaching life from a creative standpoint involves problem-solving and gratitude, expressed through genuine communication and appreciation for others. It means facing life’s challenges with curiosity, finding beauty in mundane experiences, and holding onto hope during tougher times.