I had no choice but to be pragmatic as a child. I grew up in a middle class home – the kind where everything is just out of reach. My father built our farmhouse from the ground up. My mother still saves every glass jar and plastic bag, waiting for the inevitable need for one. Me? I was busy making my own plushies. I adored stuffed animals, breaking down in tears each time I was denied a teddy bear on a shopping trip. I reached my breaking point and started to make my own. You know what they say, when you want something done right, do it yourself. This is how I began creating. This pragmatic lifestyle caused me to look at everyday objects with more care and reverence. I get satisfaction from taking everyday objects, moments, and people and presenting them in a way that better represents their individual character and absurdity. The way I think about materials echoes this. The materials I use in my work are those at my immediate disposal. I like cheap papers, cheap yarns, scraps of cardboard, forgotten mailing labels – not just because they’re cheap, but because of what they represent. The utility and charm of these common materials are integral to my work.
Today, my work remains rooted in this practical understanding. My current practice is presenting the ordinary as comedy, capturing the innate humor and sarcasm in contemporary life. Through graphic imagery, bright colors, and unique characters, I aim to present difficult topics with the absurdity and humor they deserve.
