Becoming an adult has been a liberating process. I have gained freedom from judgment and freedom to express myself. My series of work is inspired by this liberation.
For example, I am addressing freedom from judgment through hand-embroidered moments to create negative space for respite and contemplation. These collages are abstract, colorful, and expressionistic to evoke the feeling of freedom. For over a decade, crocheting and sewing have been intrinsically part of me. They are not often seen as an artform because of their practical purposes, but these technical crafts express creativity.
A third tapestry-style self-portrait is vibrant and colorful with more controlled strokes and less movement. This combination is representative of who I have become. Each stroke is bold and without hesitation. I used to worry about my work not being perfect or likable, but I have cast off those fears and created what I wanted to create.
The clothes that someone wears can say a lot about that person. For a long time, my clothing choices were subdued and unassuming. This was not because I wanted to wear what everyone else was wearing, but because I did not want to stick out. To tie these concepts together, I created an outfit that further explores my portraiture. As I have gained confidence over time, I have begun to wear what my eyes are drawn to, and this outfit represents that.