Life is a series of choices that can be summarized by their effect on the lives of others. We make choices for ourselves, often subconsciously, dictated by our past. Life moves on but every part of our past is solidified and is the master of our current state. How trauma and abuse evolves through time is the focus of my work. Understanding the world through the lens of a child abuse victim, changing the stereotypes around child abuse, and bringing visibility to the effects of child abuse is my primary concern.

 

In opposition to the dark subject matter I use a brightly colored palette, glitter, and plastic materials to make the viewer nostalgic about their own past and childhood. The figure plays an important role as a translator for the viewer in understanding the fractured childhood existing within the frame of the painting. 

 

Psychological spaces make up the backgrounds as a way to introduce exploration and reflection. Context can be given and can be taken away, however, I do not want this responsibility to fall on me and instead allow the viewer’s own experiences to guide them through the meditation of the psychological space. Connection to something is uncontrollable and I do not wish to stifle the naturalness of nostalgia, trauma, and curiosity,

 

Combining all of these elements: child abuse, family, nostalgia, and psychological space forms works that question what it means to live with trauma and our choices moving forward. Hiding and being hidden versus exposing and being exposed. 

 

Not real but familiar. Posed but telling. Childhood and trauma. Sadness in saturation.