Ink on paper mounted to board. 9 x 9 x 1 inches
 
This piece is part of a larger series titled Contact. Growing up in Arkansas, I developed a strong connection to nature, though I often felt out of place in the culture around me. As a neurodivergent queer woman, I struggled to fit in and frequently felt uncomfortable, suppressing parts of myself to be accepted. Nature became my refuge, especially stretches of urban creeks where I spent time unsupervised, often catching frogs. I’ve always been fascinated by Herpetology—the study of reptiles and amphibians—which heavily influences my art. I focus on critters often deemed gross or unwanted, like invertebrates, fish, snakes, and other species inhabiting waterways impacted by human activity. For the series this work is part of, I make collaborative drawings with herps, using a clean touch ink pad and allowing their movements to leave impressions on the paper. The ink never touches these sensitive animals, and they are released unharmed after a minute or two of handling. In these brief interactions, I consider catharsis, care, fragility, and my relationship with the ecosystem. A key part of my practice is collection, in the gathering of physical objects while in the field and as the meticulous documentation of my findings. During my field excursions, I remove trash and debris from habitats, bringing them back to my studio where they transform into precious specimens. I see these found objects as beautiful, despite their environmental impact. Focusing on field study has become a form of healing for me, my inner child, and the environments I interact with. The changes I make are beneficial in my local environment, however small they may be. Process takes precedent over product.
 
 
$250