ARTIST STATEMENT
I create devices of connection to encourage quiet moments of harmony and understanding. From interpersonal relationships to the heavenly bodies above, all life is interconnected; there is an energy that flows through everything, linking every atom. My work is a metaphor of this binding force, where metal and body become synchronous, interpreting the relationship between humans and the cosmos. In these works, conical and cylindrical forms become speakers and portals, acting as catalysts for contact and communication. Some works directly illustrate points of connections, while others suggest we pause and listen to the nuances of the world, others, and oneself.
The concept for through the interstice, was greatly influenced by metaphysics, the branch of philosophy that deals with the first principles of things, including abstract concepts such as being, knowing, substance, cause, identity, time, and space. I slowly developed my own understanding from this elusive and complex definition, encompassing the abstract concepts and experiences of daily life: time, space, identity, understanding, being, and existing. These conditions of life are experienced by everyone. It is important to become more aware of our own existence in order to see that all humans are more similar than we are different. Though we each encounter unique experiences throughout our lives, we all experience similar emotions and basic human needs and desires. Particularly, there is an innate need for connection with others. Humans are pack animals. It is an important part of human nature but also something we tend to ignore. Connecting by understanding that we are all just humans, we are all just animals, is a way to find peace; something humans all desperately crave and need.
In this collection of works, I reference traditional ideas of jewelry while challenging its conventions through format, process, and contexts. Jewelry is meant for the body, and in the same way, objects are meant to be interacted with by the body. The contrast between the soft body and the hard metal provides a complex range of possibilities. This relationship is presented through multiple facets. The wearer becomes part of the work, opening a dialogue between the wearer and object, wearer and artist, wearer and audience. The connection between object and wearer is pushed even further through varying modes of installation for each piece. The simple act of touching or observing interaction with the objects furthers the sense of connectivity, or desire to engage. Through the possibility for multiple persons to interact with the pieces at once, the works become a network further fostering ways of connecting to one another.
Each piece in this body of work utilizes the circle. This shape and symbol has a myriad of meanings, encompassing all that I aim to present through these works. It is ancient and universal, symbolizing wholeness, sacredness, unity, infinity, perfection, and eternity. The circle “represents the infinite nature of energy, and the inclusivity of the universe.” ¹ It is seen throughout the natural, physical world from biological structures to planetary movement. The circle as a symbol has existed since the beginning of humankind and was first used to represent the sun. Its significance is seen throughout history, spreading across cultures, religions, philosophy, and fields of study.
"It implies an idea of movement, and symbolizes the cycle of time, the
perpetual motion of everything that moves, the planets' journey around
the sun (the circle of the zodiac), the great rhythm of the universe.
The circle is also zero in our system of numbering, and symbolizes
potential, or the embryo. It has a magical value as a protective agent [...]
and indicates the end of the process of individuation, of striving
towards a psychic wholeness and self-realization."
The circle as a symbol calls for connection of all beings, for everything to exist as one continuous entity.
Through the use of spheres, I put this idea of the circle into the 3-dimensional realm. The multiplicity of spheres represent units and the connections between them. While some of these spherical forms have a clear link and others are indirectly linked, they are all interdependent. The units are presented as spheres rather than a distinct person, atom, planet, etc., in order to give the viewer more agency, interpreting them in a myriad of ways. I want the viewer to feel connected, physically and psychologically, to my work. I create an experience for the viewer, immersing them in an interactive environment that offers other perspectives. The piece Transferring consists of three formed copper anticlastic and sinclastic tubes with silver rims. They are meant to be worn on the fingers of more than one person as a way of connecting them, transferring the energy between them. The silver rims and smooth surface invite the viewer to touch them and try them on. Similarly, Listening invites the viewer to use it because if its familiar horn shape and silver ends. The form implies one would blow into it to create sound - which it does - but the title encourages the viewer to put it to their ear and listen to those around them. I want to present a space of connection and play that fosters mutual understanding between people. A space where the viewer becomes an active agent, part of the art and, in turn, part of the community created in this space.
In this day and age, in this world we are living in today, it seems that there is a general lack of understanding between people. It is as if we have become so focused on the little bubbles of our own lives that we don’t take the time to truly notice others. Where has all of the empathy gone that makes humans human? We have become so accustomed to the immediacy of constant stimulation that we no longer have the patience to listen. This leads to a tangible lack of connection and awareness on a deeper human to human, human to animal, human to earth, human to cosmos connection. Right now we are stumbling around in the dark. A dark created through hatred and violence. But I believe in humanity; I believe that we are still a species with the ability to tangibly feel the intangible. In order to escape this, we must all adopt a willingness to listen to others and an awareness of the world we live in. This is the goal of my work, I hope to encourage others to seek this underlying knowledge of the interconnection of everything.