2025 series
The question that guided my inquiry: How can I use art to say what I cannot say through words, using symbolism? Obsessive-compulsive disorder has very specific stereotypes that don't fit my experience, so the idea was to create awareness as to how it presents within myself. How can I use bright colors to juxtapose the darker theme behind my work with the idea of having hope through a hard time? This investigation has also been a part of me accepting my OCD as a part of my brain, but not a part of my self.
“The Perfectionist’s Mirror”
18 × 24”, oil paint on stretched canvas
Used oil paint diluted with walnut oil to create a self-portrait. Used grades in the background.
“The Fool”
8 × 10”, linocut print on cardstock paper
Used linocut to create a self portrait. Printed onto cardstock with speedball oil-based ink.
14 × 14”, mixed media: artist board, cardstock paper, “jigsaw” method linocut, acrylic brush pens
“Like a Broken Record”
Used "jigsaw" method to create two color print on paper that is colored with acrylic brush pens.
“Lost Time is Never Found Again”
11 × 14”, mixed media: raw canvas, acrylic, acrylic brush pen, glass beads, plastic beads
Used acrylic to create repeated "tiles". Glued "leaves" on canvas. Added portrait, quote, beads.
17 × 14”, mixed media: artist board, acrylic brush pen, colored pencil, glass beads
“Stretched Thin”
Used warm/cool visual contrast, beads to add visual interest, and streaky background to show chaos.
“The Blood’s on My Own Hands”
16 × 22”, oil paint on stretched canvas
Used oil paint diluted with linseed oil. Used defined brush strokes and texture to create disruption.
“Heart of Glass”
8 × 11”, acrylic on gessoed, unstretched canvas
Painted an anatomical heart. Painted myself on top of it. Painted cracks in the heart and wire.
“Juno”
21 × 26”, mixed media: oil pastel on canvas, felt, glass beads, plastic beads
Used bright, colorful beadwork and felt with oil pastel to create a portrait of my cat.
21 × 26”, mixed media: oil pastel on canvas, felt, glass beads, plastic beads
“Stars of the Sunset”
Self-portrait, used contrast between colored and black/white portrait to create visual interest.
“Again and Again”
28 × 56”, digitally painted on Clip Studio Paint
Used digital oil-painting tools and textured linework in a swirl pattern to create visual interest.
Planning + Process
In my investigation, I used swirls to symbolize the cyclic nature of OCD and how one can feel stuck in that loop. In my practice, I experimented with different mediums to show how OCD can jump around from obsession to obsession, using everything from acrylic paint to digital, to linocut . I used the color red to symbolize self-sabotage, the metaphor "blood on my hands." I used warm/ cool contrast to show the disconnect between the OCD's hands and my own body. Centipedes are featured as a symbol of courage to confront my fears.
Planning + Process for “The Perfectionist’s Mirror”
Planning + Process for “Like a Broken Record”
Planning + Process for “Again and Again”
Planning + Process for “Stretched Thin”