Artists Statement "Shamelessness"

 I selected these eight pieces as my Scholastics Portfolio because they capture my fascination with the curvature of the human body and the outer limits of what is acceptable in society. I wanted to create a portfolio that demonstrated the vast and untamable beauty of being human that is constantly stifled by the media, societal norms, and a common fear of sexuality. I wanted to push back on what my community considers taboo regarding the human figure. I celebrate the boundlessness of the buttocks and the simplistic wonder of a nipple, while pushing back against the common misconception that certain parts of our body can only be viewed sexually or not at all. I chose not to use any black while creating this portfolio. I did not want to demonstrate the punitive and subtractive qualities of the color in any of my pieces. Instead, I wanted to grow the subjects in bold and beautiful colors, to contrast the society that is trying to shrink our bodies in every way possible.

 I want people to recognize the beauty of my pieces. I want them to walk away having seen a new side to the human body that is not suppressed by shame. I hope they see the beauty of shamelessness as well as the freedom that comes with it. These eight pieces have taught me respect for the human body. I no longer look at my body with shame; I celebrate the largeness of my being instead of constantly trying to shrink it. I work to look at bodies from a desexualized standpoint, and celebrate a beauty that is constructed from what bodies can do, instead of whether or not they adhere to social standards. I hope that people who view my portfolio will be inspired to respect and honor the body they are given instead of trying to hide or shrink it because of society’s view on beauty and sexuality.

My art is allowing me to push past the regular and represent something that I truly want to celebrate, the magnificent vessel that allows the paint in my veins to flow from my fingers. I strongly believe in the power of silent communication, and art has allowed me to show sides and opinions of my person I don’t completely have words for. My art is my voice, it is my emotion and it is my opinions.