ARTIST STATEMENT

Mythology has always been intrinsically tied to human history. The stories serve as ways to explain the world and the experiences people have. Given the role that stories and mythology have played in human existence, it makes sense that even in the modern age, people would be drawn to them despite not having a need to explain the natural occurrences in the world. These days, they are utilized to help people find comfort and solace when going through the stressors of life and its high demands. Storytelling is intertwined with psychotherapy inherently as well. Given this connection, the exploration of the intersection of mental health and mythology – the Greek mythos specifically, serves as a rich area of focus. By looking at the foundations of many of the myths the Greeks created through the lens of self-portraiture, a person can look to them to find a sense of grounding in their own lives.

 

BIOGRAPHY

I was born in Mebane in 2000 and grew up there. I’ve been interested in art since I was able to hold a marker in my hand quite honestly. I’ve taken art classes any time that I could really – if there was the option, I’d fit it in somehow. My parents and my grandmother are all ex-military and work in GIS some way or another so choosing to pursue art as a career was quite the 180 for them. I’ve really only experienced two instances of significant reaction when it comes to experiencing art: when I was in the National Gallery in DC, I saw some of Monet’s work and just felt overwhelmingly calm as I walked through his section and then again this past winter when I went to the NC Art Museum and got to see an entire exhibition of Jewish art. I’d never seen my heritage displayed with so much reverence and dignity before, I ended up crying as I walked through it.