TRANSFORMING BEYOND THE PHYSICAL

Abstract

Unexpectedly, in March of 2020 Purchase College was shut down due to COVID-19. Forcing students to move off-campus, we left our studios behind. Though the sudden transition from school to my hometown was not my ideal, this real-life event showed me something new about what was possible for me and my art practice. I experienced a huge surge of emotions and what I came to understand was this: When I change my perspective, loosen my grip, and surrender to the creative flow of life's energy, boundaries are transformed. Making it possible for me to set about creating objects and reconstructing a new space that suits my needs. Over the past couple of years it isn’t just my work that has changed dramatically, it’s the way I think about and identify my artwork. It has evolved from drawing, painting, and sculpture to include the occupation of spaces using natural elements, objects, colors, textures, and a presence. When I acquire a space that I can transform, it evolves into a reflection of the present state of my mind and my motives. Most importantly, I've been able to maintain my goal to recycle as much as possible. My creating process isn’t just physical activity, it is mental and I see now that I had already been putting these realizations into practice ever since junior year.? Finished and unfinished work can represent a learning state of mind, and may be a stepping stone. I continue to grow and changed as a person and my artwork and space will change again as well.