Beautiful Decay (3)

Beautiful Decay (2)

Beautiful Decay

colored ink on cottonrag paper



Amenorrhea (8)

In the lower left hand corner of the piece are three organic forms that fade into the vast emptiness of the page. The overall color and composition of the drawing evokes emotions that we often feel when we think of our emotional and physical weaknesses or death.

Amenorrhea (5)

Using impermanent materials: oil based clay, paper, and roots, I molded a life size bust of myself. The face retains a peaceful expression while the body is made out of growing orchids and roots. The cavity in the center of the chest, were breasts should be, alludes to a suppressed maturity. Except for the platform, the entire piece is painted black to reflect on the eventual decomposition of the piece and the body it represents.

Amenorrhea 4

In this piece, the seashells, blood and a menstrual pad on a circular shaped canvas, refer to my inability to obtain a normal menstrual cycle.

Amenorrhea 3

Drawing/Quilt

Within this piece are five drawings of the inside of a pomegranate which symbolizes the early stages of the menstrual cycle. Menstruation, the process where blood exits the body, is also depicted by the red painted branches of a pomegranate shrub peeking through the brown ones. As the viewer progresses clockwise, the drawing portrays the decaying process of the fruit, which implies the absence of menstruation. The continuation of this unusual condition is reflected by the circular shape of the piece. Finally, I tied these series of representations together by sewing the drawings into one and trimming the piece in lace, making it a quit as well as a drawing.

Amenorrhea 2

From a distance, one may suspect they are viewing a simple arrangement of colorful seashells, however they are not.  Upon closer inspection, the viewer can plainly see that the shells are actually set upon a menstrual pad floating inside of a toilet. The shells portray feminine sexuality since their forms curve inward, resembling female genitals. Before the viewer realizes it, they have become a voyeur. From the opening of the conch shell, a small splat of blood, instead of the usual flow, hints to a lack of menstruation. The oval contour of the drawing plays off the shape of a toilet seat, completing the piece.

2 Point Perspective

Amenorrhea (6)

At first glance this sculpture appears to be a decorative object – an object to be admired. From this perspective, the viewer observes the piece the same way countless teenage girls want to be perceived. Because of society’s view on what is to be admired, many girls try to transform their bodies into the ideal appearance. However, when the golden lid is removed, the viewer is presented a grotesque cluster of bones and bodily organs.  The viewer is now faced with the reality that society’s view has damaged many a girl’s physical as well as psychological well being all in the pursuit of what is to be admired.