Figurative Sculpture

 In-Process Photos

Final Photos

Disproportionate Treatment

Air-dry clay with ink and acrylic on white oak, 13 x 7 x 8 in

Disproportionate Treatment Figure 1 

Air-dry clay and ink, 4 x 5 x 3 in

Disproportionate Treatment Figure 2

Air-dry clay, 3 x 4 x 2 in

Artist Statement:

    I believe that people hold mental illnesses at different levels of importance. Some are considered an excuse and some are praised. All mental illnesses are of equal importance. My sculpture plays on the imbalance of importance. Depression or thoughts of suicide are often met with comments like, "just go to therapy" or "just be happy, you probably just don't want to do anything." It is not that easy for someone struggling mentally. When a person takes their own life, the people around them question how they didn't see the signs. Depression isn't always visible. I visualized what it feels like and created the black bust. It is a physical representation of what it feels like to experience depression and overwhelming thoughts. Everything is dark and it seems like there will never be a brighter day. You begin to dissolve into your feelings and days blend together. Mental illness can develop and effect your physical being. Eating disorders are a topic that is not mentioned enough. The affects of certain EDs often lead to praise from others which in turn causes more damage. When someone drops a large amount of weight, people assume it was done in a healthy way. Skinny does not equal healthy. People comment on bodily appearance without acknowledging all of the possible situations. Comments about appearance can be so harmful to someone struggling with an ED. With the white bust, I captured the physical repercussions. Bones showing, skin cracking, and face turned away. People crack under the pressure of their peers. Disappointment is a regular occurrence. We rely on validation from others when they care more about the physical than the mental. I captured beauty of a figure with signs of illness. The two sculptures are placed on the same platform but at different levels. EDs are held on a pedestal, as long as the person struggling is thin and beautiful while depression is looked down upon. The sculptures interact with one another. They go hand in hand and with one you have the other. We need to be mindful of how our words impact others. Check on the people in your life, love them where they are at. Treat strangers kindly. 

Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

1-800-273-8255