Artist Statement/ Bio
Artist Statement: My research centers on the societal and cultural expectations placed on women during the Victorian era, highlighting their confinement to domestic roles and the lack of opportunities for self-expression and autonomy. Through my art, I challenge these expectations and explore the possibilities of subversion and transcendence. Each piece in my body of work contributes to an immersive installation that viewers step into, creating an environment that reflects my inquiry. I combine imagery from the Industrial Era, Victorian art, and digital manipulation to question these representations and convey transformation. Using a range of techniques and materials, including recycled and handmade materials, I create assemblages that combine machine parts with portraits of myself and deceased family members. I draw inspiration from the work of Joseph Cornell and his ability to create new meaning through the assemblage of found objects. I am deeply interested in giving objects new life and exploring how they can be repurposed to convey new ideas.
Bio: I am an accomplished High School Visual Art Teacher committed to the success and growth of my students. Through my guidance, my students have achieved notable accomplishments, including earning national keys in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. In recognition of my exceptional work as an educator, I have been honored with a National Educator Award. With a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the prestigious Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), I bring a wealth of expertise and a passion for nurturing young artistic talent. My engaging art curriculum, mentoring initiatives, and commitment to collaboration have contributed to my students' remarkable achievements.