Project Four focuses on mourning the loss caused by the seizures. Time was lost, memories faded, and my abilities were impacted, which forced me to grieve. However, on the other side of that grief, I discovered happiness and joy. This series explores the journey where pain meets acceptance.
Fear of Vulnerability This piece reflects the concept of armor. It is fully covered in metal, with shields raised and armor in place. I have attached several metal washers over the heart, along with quotes about hope, dreams, and the future, which I carry close to my heart.
Mending This piece explores the journey of healing after the emotional trauma caused by epilepsy. The band-aids symbolize the process of recovery.
Releasing Labels This piece reflects how I used mindfulness to let go of negative self-labels, allowing me to fully enjoy the present moment rather than feeling overwhelmed. The black sculpture represents my former tendency to shut down, while the other sculpture illustrates my new ability to embrace the moment. The sculpture on the left features an open door, with memories flowing out, alongside blank labels to which I no longer feel attached.
What’s Being Mourned? This piece reflects my experience with sadness. I selected quotes about grief and arranged them across the breastplate, alongside characteristics of joy. I believe you cannot selectively numb your emotions. When I allowed myself to feel sadness, I also discovered joy.
What's Being Born? This piece symbolizes self-compassion and self-love. I selected quotes that illustrate self-kindness and self-love for this work, along with flowers that represent growth.
Emerging This piece explores my lost abilities due to seizures I experienced as a child, teenager, and young adult. The seizures took away my abilities, much like the branches of a tree that have been severed. In the image, a girl is crying, mourning what has been lost. In the foreground, a watering can waters the tree, symbolizing my tears, while new growth buds are beginning to emerge.
Transformation This piece represents a contrast to the shame piece I created for my first show, which featured zippers. In this work, I have crafted butterflies from zippers to symbolize my transformation. I am no longer constrained by societal messages; I have undergone a significant change.
Pain Meets Purpose This sculpture signifies the meeting point of pain and acceptance. The broken glass at the base represents pain, while the daisies at the top symbolize acceptance. In the middle, there are coins inscribed with uplifting words.