This is an installation shot:

Artist Statement:

My artworks are an exploration of identity, as well as a commentary on how people judge others based on outside appearance. Expressing a sense of identity through outward appearance has always been a personal obstacle or issue for me for many reasons. One of the reasons this has been an issue is because it seems people today tend to feel that it is desirable or necessary to be one dimensional and to in other words fit into one culture or subculture. It is as if you need to have a singular, self-conscious individuality, and you must dress and act accordingly. However, I have always been interested, and involved in many aspects of many subcultures, and as a result of the constant pressure to look a certain way, and to think a certain way to fit into one category, I have felt torn between outward identities and ways to express my self through appearance. Through life experiences I have come to the conclusion that you can change your outward appearance but you can’t change your soul. So, now I make choices of how I want to appear based on all of what I like, instead of only trying to express one facet of my being to fit into one subculture, dimension, or category. I cannot adopt a singularity to my self awareness, and I don’t want to. I feel that people who are impossible to categorize are much more interesting.

Another reason that expressing a sense of identity through outward appearance is an issue is because people constantly judge others solely based on appearance. It is as if putting a piercing in your face, doing your hair differently, or tattooing your body all of a sudden makes you a different person that for some people is now unapproachable. As a whole, I feel people need to be more respectful towards other peoples lifestyle and adornment choices and not be so quick to judge. You don’t have to change your appearance or lifestyle. You don’t even have to agree with the other person, but don’t be so quick to judge or run in the other direction. By doing this you are living in a narrow minded box of ignorance. Living with an open mind grasping for knowledge and understanding is a way of life that I find leads to a feeling of inner peace and personal growth.

I hope when viewing my paintings, people will notice that they feature one person with one soul that shouldn’t and cannot be judged based on outward appearance alone. I also hope people will walk away with a greater acceptance of different outward appearances as a result, and if not walk away with that, at least walk away with a greater interest in others who choose to adorn themselves differently instead of a fear or no acceptance of those who do so.