Everything I do, everything I cherish, everything that satisfies me; these things bring me comfort and protection, and yet I feel trapped by doctrine and imposed values. In turn, I challenge myself to question my domesticated upbringing and the society in which I live by recreating memories that are often difficult to face. I tear back layers from my façade to recapture these past experiences, which can be agonizing, yet it is essential that I continue. This is catharsis. The process results in an artifact; a residue of the original memory, replacing what was once stifling or painful. I incorporate my own body as canvas to push the boundaries of sexuality vs. maternity; shock vs. nurture. In my works, I utilize raw building materials usually hidden behind the walls such as: fiberglass insulation, air conditioning ducts and ventilation systems. In contrast, I use domestic objects used within the context of daily routine such as dining room chairs, kitchen utensils, and traditional women’s work such as quilting, crochet and embroidery. By combining materials that make up the home, with objects found within the home, I create an interior/exterior dialogue and in turn ask the viewer to question their own positions.
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