My work focuses on the expression of both physical and mental health and how they can effect the way you view yourself. Taking inspiration from my own mental and physical health conditions I wanted to create work that makes people feel seen. I explore the themes of loneliness and self care, seen in my short story, throughout the world of dolls. My dolls are a representation of a persons struggle to see their own worth and truly love themselves. Some people are unable to express their inner thoughts to another person, but may find it easier to tell themselves. By creating people doll versions of themselves I can aid them in a form of art therapy and allow the healing process to begin.
Bio
Projects
My final year projects were to traverse health and healing starting with my own experience. After making my self portrait I wanted to explore other peoples struggles with mental and physical health, thus the creation of my following projects. I have made a short story that is set in a post apocalyptic world where people fused with the last thing they touched. This story follows a young woman called Barbra living with OCD and struggling to re adjust to her life after falling into a bush and fusing with it. From the creation of my short story I made my main character, Barbra, and one other character, Nicole, into dolls. Allowing me to bridge the gap between 2D and 3D illustration.
FUSED - Short Story Illustrations
Hives
This self portrait is the inspiration into delving into the world of self expression through art. It shows me pulling the collar of my top down to reveal my collarbone. My face, neck and collarbone are covered in large irritated rashes caused by Urticaria. Gouache on card.
Barbra - 13' Art doll
Barbra is the main character in my short story. After falling head first into a Forsythia bush she has to learn to live with her messy new look while living with OCD and being riddled with self doubt she cannot escape the feeling that she got off "easy" compared to others. She is made with Polymer clay, wool and cotton fabric.
Nicole - 13' Art doll
Nicole is a character from my short story. As a workaholic and exhausted from her meeting she falls asleep at her desk on top of a pile of work documents, waking to find they have become part of her face. She is now unable to escape the work that she had prioritised over her personal life. She is made with cotton fabric, felt and wool.
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