About my work
Let’s start with Discomfort
Discomfort is one way the body alerts your mind that something’s wrong. Past trauma influences the way we interpret those signals, making it difficult to understand the difference between what is low risk and what is dangerous.
In times of trauma, our systems do their best to protect and remove us from those situations. It reads patterns and files them away for the future. This can be helpful in many ways especially when you need that information.
For some, interpreting the difference comes easily. They can trust their discomfort and know what it means. They can decide with a clear mind what discomfort is worth sitting in and what they must remove themselves from. For others like me, we lack fluency.
In my experience, I have made efforts to recalibrate my “discomfort gauge” by sitting in what makes me uncomfortable. Those systems have told me to run from discomfort, which can encourage unprocessed emotions and loss of people and opportunities. By sitting in that discomfort long enough, this allows the body to calm down and make decisions with a clearer mind.
I encourage you, when you are safe to challenge yourself to sit in that discomfort. What decisions might you make when you allow yourself the time to process it before acting?
My art
It was never about making art. It was about processing my emotions through sculpture. Taking the time to connect with my body and be present with the process. In times of stress, this allows me to recalibrate my system and ground myself in reality.
I use this as a form of somatic healing.
In my work, discomfort can be interpreted in various ways, but my spiky pieces are my favorite example. These objects, whether functional or purely aesthetic, exist in the world with a sharp exterior.
I began my spiky series in 2016. Initially, the spikes were intentionally sharp, designed to damage the skin and urging viewers to keep their hands to themselves. Over time, the spikes have evolved, becoming smooth and inviting to the touch.
Symbolizing a shift toward healing and a willingness to face discomfort. Inviting comfort and discomfort.