Artist Statement

 

My work explores the complex interplay between self-concept and societalnarratives, particularly the liminal role I have had to navigate as a multiethnicwoman from an immigrant family. This exploration is deeply intertwined with mylifelong engagement with movement. Through dynamic texture I aim to expressthe impact of the narratives imposed upon women of color and my own livedexperience as a Filinegra in America. By reclaiming what my heritage means tome, I explore the complexities of identity formation within a contemporary contextcharacterized by the rise of diverse and multifaceted identities.My history in various forms of dance significantly influences my artistic practice.Movement influences not only my technical approach but also how I shape anddefine the form of my sculptures. I strive to capture themes of progression withinmy sculptures, translating the perception of my own feelings into my artisticexpression. Through figurative ceramic work, I use rough and unrefined texturesto embody the conflicting emotions of confusion and empowerment, reflecting thestruggle and strength inherent in identity formation. rather than a precise physicalinterpretation of the figure itself. This emphasizes the universality of the humanexperience in an attempt to connect and relate rather than separate.Working alongside an animate medium that is both fragile and forgiving mirrors thecomplexities of how I relate to these experiences. My affinity with clay has becomea symbol of my own life practice. The process of my art inspires me as much as Iam inspired to create it—a reciprocal relationship that shapes both of us. Therough, unrefined surfaces of the clay reflect the rawness of lived experience and the struggle to reconcile internal identity with external expectations.