MFA Thesis Work
Body. Freedom. Choice: Creating Artwork in Post-Roe America
I knew from a young age that I never wanted children. Whenever I expressed my disinterest in motherhood, I was often met with bewilderment, disapproval, and hostility. The church I was raised in taught me that my value and worth as a woman directly correlated with the power of my birthing hips. This fundamentalist upbringing has significantly shaped my relationship with my femininity, my body, and my artwork. When I feel powerless, turning to my art gives me a sense of control and self-expression. This body of work began as a reaction to the overturning of Roe v. Wade and has evolved to encompass a broader theme about abortion and related topics that impact women. Within my art practice, I explore how a single symbol can be abstracted to create patterns and motifs to express different narratives surrounding abortion and femininity. I make 2D mixed media work using graphic design, digital fabrication, and other supporting processes and materials. My work reflects my relationship with the reproductive abilities of my body as well as my political beliefs. Abortion is a complex and heart-wrenching decision that should be made privately between a woman, her doctor, and possibly her loved ones. This is especially important as every situation surrounding a woman’s reason for abortion is unique and personal. Through my work, I advocate for open-mindedness, free speech, understanding, respect, and choice.
I knew from a young age that I never wanted children. Whenever I expressed my disinterest in motherhood, I was often met with bewilderment, disapproval, and hostility. The church I was raised in taught me that my value and worth as a woman directly correlated with the power of my birthing hips. This fundamentalist upbringing has significantly shaped my relationship with my femininity, my body, and my artwork. When I feel powerless, turning to my art gives me a sense of control and self-expression. This body of work began as a reaction to the overturning of Roe v. Wade and has evolved to encompass a broader theme about abortion and related topics that impact women. Within my art practice, I explore how a single symbol can be abstracted to create patterns and motifs to express different narratives surrounding abortion and femininity. I make 2D mixed media work using graphic design, digital fabrication, and other supporting processes and materials. My work reflects my relationship with the reproductive abilities of my body as well as my political beliefs. Abortion is a complex and heart-wrenching decision that should be made privately between a woman, her doctor, and possibly her loved ones. This is especially important as every situation surrounding a woman’s reason for abortion is unique and personal. Through my work, I advocate for open-mindedness, free speech, understanding, respect, and choice.
