Artist Statement

I am a non-traditional student, wife, mother and an artist. These are societal labels that identify me and my purposes, but do not define me. By filling a need in someone's life, you count as a tool in their tool chest serving a purpose. When you are counted only by your purpose, your humanity is lost to the counter. There are many tools that we use within relationships, community, and life in an effort as humans to be seen, matter and to feel that we count. The purpose for making this body of work is to portray stereotypes used by human beings, which can be used to dehumanize others. 

Do You Count? explores tools used to define and redefine our place and purpose in society, however these tools also help us navigate the changes that will inevitably happen. One of our tools is to become fluid and adaptable to the changes in our lives, not only to survive, but to grow within the redefinition of our changing boundaries. This body of work explores human physical and emotional strategies, which are modem day tools used for interaction. Humans have used clay as a medium since the advent of tool making, which was developed out of self-preservation skills, survival and navigational needs. As our human tribes have become more "civilized", these tools are less visible to the naked eye, unless looking closely. 

When using stereotypes against other humans, we limit human empathy and damage our communities. Everything is subject to change, however in the end what matters is that each and every single one of us does count. 

About the Artist