Diaristic Explorations
“Diaristic Explorations'' is a dynamic installation of two-dimensional work that meets at the crossroads of memory and photography. It includes elements of nature, homage, and upheaval.
The work is an active, bodily, and diaristic exploration of coping with 1 Juvenile Diabetes, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Fibromyalgia, anxiety, an eating disorder, and family trauma. Disease and familial difficulties are universal histories that include my story, which I recontextualize by combining cyanotypes, photography, and writing. The work is predicated on, and heightened by cool blue tones that bleed into other saturated colors, which infuse dual tones of grief and respite. The moments I create are urgent, yet lean into pensive moments of contemplation and stability.
The core elements of the work are photographs, polaroids, and cyanotypes, all handmade. Additionally, intended to reflect foliage that grows, remains, and decays, the added layers of collaged material are made using medical waste, found memory objects, flowers, natural detritus, glitter, mark-making tools, hair, journal pages, old homework, string, and writing.
Untitled Memory, 2020, 12L x 8W, cyanotype with polaroid photograph and pencil, $75
Untitled Memory, 2020, 12L x 10W, cyanotype with polaroid photograph and pencil, $75
Untitled Memory, 2020, 7L x 5W framed, cyanotype with polaroid photograph and pencil, $50
Untitled Memory, 2020, 10Lx 10W, cyanotype with polaroid photograph and pencil, $100
Untitled Memory, 2020, 12L x 10W, cyanotype with polaroid photograph and pencil, $75
Untitled Memory, 2020, 10Lx 10W, cyanotype with polaroid photograph and pencil, $100
Untitled Memory, 2020, 7L x 5W framed, cyanotype with polaroid photograph and pencil, $50
Untitled Memory, 2020, 20L x 15W, cyanotype with polaroid photograph and pencil, $150
Untitled Memory, 2020, 20L x 15W, cyanotype with polaroid photograph and pencil, $150
Eating is heavy bizznezz made in 2020-2021, includes cyanotype, polaroids, photographs, medical waste, food waste, fast food bags, found memory objects, flowers, natural detritus, glitter, mark-making tools, hair, CVS bags, journal pages, string, and writing. Only needs lighting, no other digital elements. Approximately 18ft long by 16ft high.
Throughout this work you see my visible struggle with Binge Eating Disorder and personal image. This includes the mental anguish of eating, gaining, and losing weight, in tandem with the physical representation of the time and money I have spent on food, specifically branded food.
Diaristic Explorations, made in 2020-2021, includes cyanotype, polaroids, photographs, medical waste, found memory objects, flowers, natural detritus, glitter, mark-making tools, hair, journal pages, old homework, string, and writing. Only needs lighting, no other digital elements. Approximately 20ft long by 16ft high.
This work is a non-linear time-line that focuses on the development of self through environmental, maternal, and religious influence. Specifically, it catalogs the content and melancholic progression of my life in relation to my close bond with my mother, being afflicted with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes, and turbulent religious experiences. In it you will see details from my birth, to present, interwoven with Catholic imagery, diabetes supplies, handmade photographs and cyanotypes, natural details, and literal memories. The viewer is welcome to spend time assessing and, perhaps, relating to each macro and micro details in order to discover this story on their own pacing.
How much does a body cost? made in 2020, includes cyanotype, polaroids, photographs, medical waste, found memory objects, flowers, natural detritus, glitter, mark-making tools, hair, snake skin, CVS bags, ribbon, string, and writing. Only needs lighting, no other digital elements. Approximately 16ft long by 16ft high.
This installation is a journey through personal medical history and using nature as a vehicle for escape and respite. At 14 months old I was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. Following this was a diagnosis of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis at age 8, anxiety at age 21, Fibromyalgia at age 23, and Binge Eating Disorder which filtered throughout this time up to present. Representing this is not even a small amount of the medical products, debt, and waste I have accumulated. In contrast to this are flowers and images from nature, representing a place of literal peace and temporary resistance.