Facing Death

Facing Death is a collection of works which began in 2021.  The artworks are produced in various media, including paintings, shadow boxes, and multimedia masks.  These “death masks” are created in different forms and styles to explore translations of my face.  While each piece is produced, I reflect on my own mortality. My creative approach reflects the journey of life.  It ebbs and flows in a continual search for meaning and enjoyment in the process as opposed to the outcome.  I believe that through the inevitability of death, life is endowed with meaning and mine has been discovered in making art. 

Grief and fear halted my creative process for a long time and this collection of works signifies finally overcoming my fears and pursuing a full time career as a professional artist.  I believe that rituals can provide meaning to death and honor its significance in the natural order.  In my case, the creation of my art has evolved into a personal ritual.  Coping with everyday struggles on top of the spiral of grief has allowed much reflection on what I want to do with my life and what I want for the end of my life as well.  Taking the leap into pursuing my career as a full-time professional artist does, at times, seem like Facing Death.