Artist Statement
My work explores the idea of perception versus reality and how outside influences can shape our perception of reality at any given moment. We all see the world in a way that is shaped by our own experiences, so some thoughts and feelings that may seem real to us are not necessarily thought or felt by others. Perception often clouds our reality and causes us to feel as though our problems are insurmountable. We must find a way to understand that situations can be interpreted in a variety of ways and accepting a different lens can help us build empathy.
I would like to use my artwork as a way to represent the specific feelings that get in the way of perceiving reality as it is happening. I would also like it to be a way for others to better understand and relate to emotions that sometimes seem inexplicable. Using Photoshop as a medium, I digitally altered the photo.I used repetition to alter the “reality” of a central image by changing the opacity of many objects in the photo. I critically chose which effects would best convey the ideas and feelings I wished to evoke. I hope the viewer allows themselves the ability to perceive my artwork as they wish without letting outside influences affect them.