My work is composed of strands of my own hair and other natural materials that are hand knotted or woven into forms to create intricate sculptures and installations. The nearly weightless sculptures move in space with the shifting airflow and respond to the viewer’s locomotion. These small movements in space, and intricate details, shift the viewer’s awareness of their surroundings and introduce subtle perceptions that are often taken for granted.
Additionally, the semi-transparent sculptural forms are intricately woven from delicate strands of hair, symbolically embodying ineffable thoughts and memories. These pieces are frequently used in my video and performance works. For example, I made a crown of thorns crafted from interwoven hair symbolizes the complexities of the mind that contribute to our pain. in my videos, I slowly lift the crown from my head and let it go as a cleansing gesture. My head is shaved, like a monk’s, representing a symbolic non-attachment to the material world. I meditate with my back to the camera, creating an image that detaches me from my gender and personal identity. The immersive quality of the videos, in conjunction with my androgynous appearance, invites viewers to inhabit my body and experience the process of clearing the mind
In my recent work, I draw inspiration from Buddhist philosophy, specifically the concepts of form and emptiness, which highlight the inter-connectedness and ever-changing nature of all phenomena. Through my art, I embark on a poetic exploration of form and emptiness, delving into the question of what emptiness truly signifies. To convey these ideas, I utilize shimmering veils meticulously crafted from human hair and other natural materials including feathers, Milkweed seed fiber, and horsehair, provoking contemplation on the fleeting and ephemeral nature of our existence. They evoke a sense of fragility, inviting viewers to reflect upon the transient nature of life. Moreover, by intricately interweaving and knotting different fiber materials over time, I hint at the underlying interconnectedness of all beings, symbolizing the interwoven fabric of existence.