This autobiographical sculpture series explores distinct childhood memories. The work focuses specifically on the ages of seven to fifteen and the impact of those years into present day. Combining hand crafted art forms with both raw and embellished found objects, I chose each component in this work to represent myself, people and items that have significantly impacted my life. I create compositions to represent relationships and emotions while materials signify specific traits or actions. Traumatic events give insignificant, everyday objects meaning and value. I translate the objects and moments that haunt my mind into pieces of my story through sculptural abstraction.
This particular piece was inspired by the abuse that I suffered as a child. The memories of what happened to me will never stop lingering within my brain. They pop up in unexpected moments. They stop me in my tracks. It makes me want a lobotomy. I've read that PTSD happens when your brain doesn't know where to file certain memories. I've accepted that these after effects of abuse will most likely never cease. I use them as fuel for my work. This work needs to be made. Translating these horrific memories into artwork don't heal me but I can imagine them as a vessel for my pain to reside in when it's not invading my thoughts.
Materials: Yarn, wood, painted paper, self portrait, hinge and embroidery thread
Size: 59" x 46" x 3"
Created in 2019.