I have drawn inspiration from the works of Freud and Jung, specifically the psychoanalytic concepts of the unconscious mind, the Id, and the anima, in how I approach my art making. I have explored these concepts mainly by using the surrealist technique of automatic drawing as a starting point for a finished piece. At times, I incorporate my non-dominant hand in automatic drawing as a way to further explore the ideas of the unconscious mind.
I sometimes explore how language influences the image-making process by starting with a title, which serves as a conceptual primer. From there, I allow the automatic drawing to unfold, observing how the initial idea interacts with the spontaneous marks, and then I develop a finished piece from that process. Separately, I sometimes explore how objects connected to the feminine archetype can influence the image-making process, in an effort to reveal the psychological states resulting from these influences and to engage with the concept of the anima.
I also use art making as a form of spiritual meditation and prayer-like contemplation and strive to understand Christian ideas and teachings in my work. I borrow phrases from the Bible and concepts I have inferred from reading the Bible, and direct teachings of Jesus in an effort to deeply plant those words into my heart through the process of making art about those teachings.
I am interested in learning about using art as a tool to help process and heal trauma and mental illness. I would like to provide others with an art making environment that can modify the expression of mental illness—from one rooted in trauma to one that is healed. I am aiming for a career as an art therapist to further explore art as a way to facilitate healing, and so that I can gain experience working with people which will potentially aid me in making art that has a more meaningful, deeper, and resonant message with others.