Incarceration 2023

My inspiration behind this sculpture emanated from a friend of mine who was incarcerated. He drew me a picture of a statue he found pictured in a magazine. Using a drawing from a reference method he produced a beautiful sketch. When I received this gift from him, I immediately saw an opportunity to show others how art can connect all of us. Art can have a profound impact on us emotionally. It’s a way to express ourselves without judgment in a safe space. I have learned from this project that art is a very cathartic experience as well. 

We all yearn to be heard and seen. By creating this sculpture, I felt like I was able to give him a voice from his cell. A way for him to be seen. I saw the relationship between me being confined in my own mind and him being restricted in Prison. I recognized that we are our own resistance, but we can come together collectively and help one another. Support is what makes us feel seen and loved. I know I am not alone with being my own worst enemy and that’s what makes this artwork so beautiful in my opinion. We all at one point or another struggle psychologically with our self talk and inner child wounds. Through expressing ourselves and putting ourselves in uncomfortable, unfamiliar situations we grow.

I experimented with multiple processes and mediums when creating this sculpture. I spent months sculpting the figure out of modeling clay. Once I was satisfied with the aesthetic I created a silicone rubber mold. With this mold I was able to cast it in four different mediums; bronze, iron, ceramic and resin. Each process was very different. I used an ancient method called lost-wax casting, so I could create the bronze and iron sculptures. The experience of participating in a bronze and iron pour was so invigorating yet terrifying simultaneously. From this I learned how rewarding it is to face your fears. I learned I am capable of creating great things that generate a snowball effect of inspiration for others. I believe everyone is capable of doing so, like my friend. I never knew he had such amazing skills, which reminded me that we should never judge a book by its cover. I believe my work to be important because it shows the depth and impact that art has on all of us, as an observer or creator.