As a Ceramic sculptor, I draw profound inspiration from the enchanting realms of folklore and mythology, weaving tales of emotion and resilience into the very clay I mold. My art transcends form, becoming a captivating outlet for exploring the intricate aspects of mental health. With each piece, I invite viewers to embark on a transformative journey of introspection and empathy. Through the alchemy of clay, my creations aspire to illuminate the mind's shadows and foster a collective understanding of its complexities.
Courage (Quote by W. Churchill) $130
6x6
Embedded with the timeless words of Winston Churchill, this ceramic masterpiece showcases a fractured heart meticulously unified by resilient metal staples. Within its shattered form lies a profound emblem of fortitude and valor—the ability to persevere through challenges and maintain unwavering self-belief, defying circumstances and odds, whether favorable or not.
I Am Enough
9” x 10”
This ceramic mask captures the essence of self-worth, symbolizing the journey towards self-appreciation. Against a backdrop of deep black, the phrase "i am enough" subtly emerges, a testament to inner strength emerging from struggle. Delicate leaves adorn the mask, embodying a humble connection to our origins and the empowering embrace of nature's renewal.
Organic Thinking
21” x 16” x 12”
Ceramic
This sculpture explores the many facets of the human mind and stands as a calming reminder of the complexity and beauty of nature, with its organic shapes and forms. The 10 connecting faces looking out, represent paranoia. Drawing lines between the mind and organic composition as a way to heal.
$650
The Devils in the Details
11” x 13” x 12”
Ceramic
This sculpture serves as the catalyst for the entire exhibition, originating from a profound idea. It captures the essence of my overwhelming compulsion that comes to my rescue during times of intense stress. Its purpose is to portray this obsession through a meticulous display of repetitive elements. Within the sculpture, a man is depicted with a skull emerging from the back of his head, symbolizing the lack of control over one's thoughts when consumed by compulsive fixations, whether related to cleaning, art, or any captivating subject. The moss encircling the skull represents the potential growth that can arise from this obsession, when channeled and managed positively. Every detail of this sculpture personifies the nature of obsession, from the labor-intensive construction of handcrafted flower petals intricately assembled, to the meticulous process of crafting the man's hair, which demanded over 8 hours of dedicated work.
$500
Embracing Vulnerability
24” x 17”
Ceramic and Mix Media
This mask is a metaphorical embodiment of the journey towards mental well-being. The hole in its cheek and eye signifies the acknowledgment of imperfection and the willingness to embrace vulnerability. It serves as a reminder that true strength lies not in invulnerability but in the courage to recognize and confront one's weaknesses. This mask encourages individuals to embrace their vulnerability as an ingredient for growth and self-discovery. It invites us to acknowledge our imperfections, to peel back the layers that shield us from our true selves, and to nurture a profound acceptance of our flaws. Through this process, we find the fertile ground for personal transformation and inner strength, allowing us to navigate the complexities of mental health with resilience and authenticity.
$500
Emotional Intensity
21” x 15”
Ceramic and Mix Media
The purple lace texture, delicately interwoven across the mask, embodies the fragility and intricacy of emotions. It represents the delicate nature of one's emotional landscape, where intensity and sensitivity often intertwine. The lace serves as a visual reminder of the vulnerability that accompanies these heightened emotions, as if delicate threads hold together a tapestry of feelings. The combination of the lace and the wooden pattern in the ceramic mask speaks to the complex interplay between fragility and strength, vulnerability and resilience. It reflects the internal struggle of navigating emotional intensity and finding a delicate balance between embracing our emotions and safeguarding ourselves.
$500
B.P.D
17” x 18”
Ceramic and Mix Media
A portrayal of the labyrinthine realm of Borderline Personality Disorder, where multiple personas intertwine like delicate threads. With profound artistry, it captures the essence of a fragmented self, manifesting a visual symphony of diverse identities. Atop the mask, a face emerges, symbolizing the ever-shifting transition between personalities. Each day dawns with uncertainty as the wearer awakens to embrace one of many personas, from the whimsical Ali to the rebellious adolescent and even the composed adult. The constant fluctuation becomes a difficult challenge, hindering daily functioning and confounding interactions within the ordinary fabric of life. The mask is crossing the elaborate pathways where identities join, diverge, and dance in an ethereal waltz of existence.
$500
Woodland Isolation
16”x16”
Ceramic and Mix Media
This ceramic mask embodies the suffocating hold of depression and the enveloping darkness it casts. Its intricate features symbolize the impenetrable barrier of isolation, preventing the entry of much-needed support and light. Through its silent expression, the mask compels us to delve into the intricate interplay between darkness and hope, offering a space for solace amid transformative introspection. Among all the bugs showcased in the exhibition, this mask uniquely stands out with its complete blackness. This represents the tainted and perilous illusion of distinguishing right from wrong, where depression distorts our natural responses. The presence of holes in the mask signifies the gradual decay of one's former self as it fades into the depths of depression.
$500
Blinded by Beauty
21” x 18”
Ceramic and Mixed Media
An artistic embodiment of the relentless struggle to compete with the world's notion of beauty. Within its delicate contours resides a profound narrative, echoing the overwhelming presence of social media's distorted ideals. It speaks of the suffocating immersion in a vision of beauty, fabricated and vane, yet eagerly embraced by the masses. As the world's gaze remains fixated on this illusory image, the mask exposes the blindness that veils the understanding of one's innate beauty—the beauty that resides in uniqueness and diversity, it implores a contemplative journey, inviting us to question the alluring but flawed mirage of beauty perpetuated by others.
$500
Body Dysmorphia
17” x 20”
Ceramic and Mix Media
Its surface, marred by holes and pinpricks, mirrors the relentless scrutiny and obsessive focus on perceived flaws that accompany this condition. Each puncture reveals the insidious nature of distorted self-image as if the mask itself bears the weight of countless insecurities. The eyes, cruelly cut out and surrounded by sliced lines, speak of the relentless gaze turned inward. They symbolize the hyper-focus on perceived imperfections, capturing the relentless examination that body dysmorphia inflicts upon the sufferer. Through these vacant sockets, one can glimpse the emptiness that accompanies the inability to see oneself as whole and worthy.
$500
Panic Attack
21” x 19”
Ceramic and Mix Media
This mask carries within it the chaotic and overwhelming nature of these distressing panic attack episodes. Its surface, adorned with honeycombs and numerous holes, symbolizes the fragmented and disrupted state of mind that accompanies a panic attack. The eyes, rendered white with red outlines, capture the fear and pain experienced during a panic attack. They reflect the wide-eyed terror that engulfs one's perception, as if the world becomes distorted and menacing. Covering the mouth of the mask, a smaller mask emerges, adorned with a bee. This represents the suffocating sensation and the struggle to breathe that often accompanies panic attacks. The bee symbolizes the buzzing thoughts and the frantic mental activity that fills one's mind, further exacerbating the overwhelming feelings of anxiety.
$500
Stutter
20” x 16”
Ceramic and Mix Media
This masks symbolizes the struggle to control the words that escape one's lips. Its appearance speaks of the unforgiving grip of stuttering, portrayed by a cascade of mouths adorning the mask's upper half, endlessly repeating syllables and sounds. Each mouth serves as a testament to the relentless repetition that accompanies this affliction. Yet, it is the hand imprinted upon the mouth, rending a torn hole through the lips that unveils the overwhelming urge to shroud oneself in shame and self-loathing. This gesture captures the raw emotion of desire to conceal the struggle, to silence the words that betray, and to seek refuge within the confines of solitude. This mask captures the complex journey of grappling with one's own voice, inviting empathy and understanding for the profound battles waged within.
$500
Social Anxiety
22” x 16”
Ceramic and Mix Media
The mask and its decorations capture the complex experience of social anxiety and sensory sensitivity. It symbolizes the delicate balance between vulnerability and wisdom, it embodies the experience of navigating the world with social anxiety, where every interaction feels like a delicate dance on a tightrope. The dark bees on this mask symbolize heightened awareness and sensitivity to social cues, constantly buzzing with the potential for overwhelming emotions. The antennas reach out, probing the environment for information, while simultaneously experiencing the potential overwhelm that can come from the sensory-rich world. The mask invites empathy and understanding, serving as a reminder of the importance of creating safe spaces and fostering compassion for those who navigate the world with these unique challenges.
$500
Self-Hate
20” x 14”
Ceramic and Mix Media
This mask is symbolic of the expression of self-hate. Across its entire surface, embossed hearts intermingle, forming a symbol of the conflicting emotions that torment one's being. Yet, a third of the mask has been removed, obscured from view, representing the shrouded aspect of self-reflection tainted by the venomous grip of hatred. The scars of this internal battle are etched in red hues that drench the mask, a visceral portrayal of the pain inflicted by self-hatred. It speaks of the distorted lens through which one perceives themselves, as the poisonous seeds of self-loathing take root. This mask, a haunting tribute to the fragility of the human psyche, invites contemplation and empathy.
$500
Rose Colored Glasses
20” x 17”
Ceramic and Mix Media
The central concept of the mask is "rose-colored glasses," which is conveyed through the use of symbolism. The beauty of the roses is to symbolize the allure of seeing the world through a positive lens, while the crumpled background is meant to convey the challenges and complexities of reality. Behind the roses, the mask features a crumpled background, evoking a sense of complexity and depth. The crumpled texture of the background contrasts with the delicate beauty of the roses, creating a sense of tension and contrast that adds to the overall impact of the piece.
$500
Disassociation
20” x 16”
Ceramic and Mix Media
This mask is the abstract state of dissociation—a haunting reflection of the soul adrift amidst the boundless depths of consciousness. Within its delicate features, it captures the essence of a sensory engulfment, where the boundaries of self and surroundings intertwine in a delicate dance. Becoming detached from their own existence, a mere spectator to the world unfolding before them. Time becomes distorted, bending and warping, while emotions echo from a distant realm. The vibrant hues of reality fade into a hazy, surreal landscape, leaving a profound sense of disconnection in their wake
$500
Cutting
21” x 18”
Ceramic and Mix Media
This mask symbolizes the desperate pursuit to feel amidst a life stripped of control—a profound testament to the disturbing depths of self-harm. Within its solemn aspect, it encapsulates the firm longing to escape emotional numbness, where the act of cutting becomes an eerie gateway to sensation. The mask beckons us to confront the profound complexities and consequences of such actions. It serves as a mirror reflecting the allure and tragedy of seeking solace in self-harm, even as it blinds one to the true harm it inflicts. Through the fractured eyes, we catch a glimpse of the internal turmoil that drives one to such extremes.
Not For Sale
Detrimentally Self-Aware
22” x 19”
Ceramic and Mixed Media
A fragile representation of the contradictory nature of self-awareness. It carries the weight of expectations and echoes of contradiction within its delicate features. The contours hold the essence of knowing how one should navigate existence, yet grappling with the looming edge of insanity, burdened by self-imposed pressures. Every breath murmurs conflict as emotions wander from the rational path. A haunting presence, it casts a somber shadow over each passing day, entwining every thought and etching its mark upon each memory.
Hive Mind - 2023
The Hive Mind mask reveals the hazardous void of losing oneself to the echoes of conformity. Surrendering to external influences fractures our personal vision, eroding the path to our intended future. Let this mask stand as an unyielding testament, a constant reminder to embrace individuality.
-VB Art Center “Show Off” Exhibition (March 23)
These five meticulously sculpted masks bear witness to the profound impact of afflictions upon my journey as a ceramic artist. They embody the essence of my mental health struggles, intertwined with a reflection of my diagnosis—an illuminating key to understanding my being. Each mask embodies the depths of emotions I traverse: from the bitter grip of self-hate, to the disassociation that engulfs, the relentless panic attacks, and the haunting presence of my stutter. With passion and purpose, these masks transcend clay, becoming conduits for the raw expressions that lay hidden within, beckoning viewers to delve into the intricacies of the human experience.
-Sandler Center “VWU Student and Alumni Show” Exhibition Feb 2023
“Regrowth”- 2022
Regrowth embodies the struggles of a decaying mind. When we feel we can no longer fall any more apart, there is regrowth. While there may only seem like one view of your situation, there is hope through that vision. Through the glass melted in the eye expressed on the side of the growing stump, we see that this view can be shallow and blind. The only hope is to learn and grow from who we once were. The delicate combination of clay and glass can dance brilliantly beneath the skull as seen in the piece as a red and green pool of glass below the skull and atop the stump. The thin glass holding the skull to the stump in this piece represents the fragility we feel holding onto our minds.
- Virginia Wesleyan Senior Exhibition (Apr 22)
- Museum Of Contemporary Art “Made In VA 2022” (Nov 22- Feb 23)
“Lady Bug Bear”- 2022
Lady Bug Bear brings out the whimsical childlike nostalgia we all love. The moss on the bear represents growth, and the ladybugs symbolize hope. Two things we need as a child to grow and set goals for ourselves and grow up to be the best person we can be. Looking back on our younger selves, we remember the innocence and ease of being a child again. This sculpture brings warmth and joy from being young and full of life instead of being drained from the day-to-day reality of the work hustle.
-VB Art Center “What’s New” Exhibition (Jan 23)
“Fairy House”- 2022
Every Fairy needs a home and this home is for sale! Come one come all this beautiful 1 bedroom birdhouse is perfect for any fairy. With spacious quarters and no door what could go wrong? With plenty of bug friends to hang around this birdhouse, your bird or fairy will never be lonely. Perfect for any garden or home. Built with loads of love, we hope you enjoy the slug trail.
-VB Art Center “What’s New” Exhibition (Jan 23)
“Pot Heads”- 2022
This rowdy group of 4 troublemakers is known as the potheads. With heads shaped like pots and an ever-growing plant as the hair grow wild above these faces, you can’t help but wonder which one is up to no good, the answer is all of them are up to no good. With silly and mischievous facial expressions to show their individual personalities, it makes you wonder what they are up to today. These potheads have been specially fired and stacked on top of each other in a raku kiln with salt, with this technique there are sharp edges on each piece so please take extreme caution when handling.
- VB Art Center “What’s New” Exhibition (Jan 23)
“Earths Reflection”- 2022
This piece shows the relationship between the land and water as it floats effortlessly on a sea of stars accompanied by the moon floating in the universe beside it. This relationship is delicate and fragile yet more vital than any force we can comprehend, dancing brilliantly together for us to enjoy, strive and grow in.
-Solid Ground exhibition
”Guardian of worth”- 2022
Like all of my sculptures, this one has a mental health struggle to express. Self-Worth. Even when your crown has tumbled you must remain strong. Just because your worth is broken doesn't mean it's worthless. Guard that worth no matter what the battles bring because if you don't who will?
- Virginia Wesleyan Senior Exhibition (Apr 22)
- D’art Center exhibition “Divulge” (Sep 22)
“Warrior with No Will”
The will to continue the everyday fight. Imagine being so broken that you don't want to shield yourself from harm, defeated and without purpose. Laying down with no fight left. At that moment remind yourself, you are a Warrior!
- Virginia Wesleyan Senior Exhibition (Apr 22)
“Embrace” -2022
Intertwining whimsy with self-expression, this sculpture captures the essence of a female face emerging gracefully from the neck up, adorned with fairy wings as enchanting ears. It encourages viewers to embrace their authentic selves, celebrating the beautifully peculiar aspects of our world while defying societal expectations. Reminding us that genuine happiness lies in staying true to our unique identities, this sculpture serves as a captivating reminder to embrace and cherish the extraordinary within ourselves.
- Virginia Wesleyan Senior Exhibition (Apr 22)