Unprecedented is sabbatical work made during my pregnancy in the pandemic. I was imagining aggressive animal teeth often when COVID-19 developed, drawing teeth, painting teeth, when I realized the obsession was my offensive attitude to keep distance. With uncertainty as the only known variable, I wanted everyone to STAY AWAY.
Humans are the only animals that show their teeth out of friendliness, a smile. For other animals, the reveal of teeth is a warning. Stay back. I was terrified of somebody getting me sick, and in-turn, getting my baby sick. The exaggerated bodily background forms and colors mixed with the aggressive mouths, metaphorically visualize what I was internalizing.
Unprecedented, is a snapshot of my experience living through my pandemic pregnancy. I gave birth to my child during the pandemic, and everything surrounding this was a life-altering first. Anxiety over protection overwhelm my thoughts, and seep into my work and the environments they inhibit.
*Solo Exhibitions at Day & Night Projects in Atlanta, GA and the Furlong Gallery at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, WI
2021