Growing Up Glass

Abstract

I explore the metaphor of the "glass child" in my work, depicting perspectives and anxieties through storytelling. I mirror a reflection of family dynamics and of what I've felt growing up as the eldest daughter and sibling of the disabled. The term glass child is used to describe the challenges and unique strengths of the siblings of children with chronic illnesses or disabilities. These siblings feel overlooked or seen through like glass and conditioned to have no problems which often leads to more problems later on. In my artwork, I use different materials like paint and collage to represent the complex emotions and responsibilities that older sisters experience. My focus isn't physically about glass but the idea that siblings take on glass characteristics, absorbing and reflecting on family issues while struggling with unrealistic expectations. Creating this work holds significance for me as it allows me to address a part of myself that I rarely express, bridging a gap in the lack of representation on this particular topic.