Welcome to My Art Gallery!
As an artist who has had the privilege of showcasing my work in various exhibitions around Purdue University Campus and collaborating with other artists. Much of my passion and inspiration is about the intersection of of science, art, and technology. As a marketer, I hope to leverage these skills to help companies determine the most effective visuals for their campaigns, email marketing, brand awareness efforts, and data visualization.
Hidden World of Healing Remedies: Could Psychedelics Help?
What Inspired Me?
This series of photographs is inspired by my exploration of potential treatments for trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. During my research at Purdue University Libraries’ Betsy Gordon Psychoactive Substances Research Collection, I discovered the pioneering work of Dr. Charles Savage, an American psychiatrist at Spring Grove State Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Savage was a leading figure in the research on the therapeutic value of LSD during the 1950s to 1970s.
Why I Was Inspired?
I developed a keen interest in Dr. Savage's research on the use of psilocybin substances for treating addiction after a conversation with my mentor, Fabian Winkler. I shared a personal story about my ex-boyfriend's battle with substance abuse and how it ultimately ended our relationship. Creating art became a healing process for me, helping me find closure after a long and difficult breakup.
What I Learned!
The effectiveness of psychedelic substances was remarkable. The substances positively impacted the patients, enhancing their cognitive functions and gradually improving their moods. They became more focused on how these positive effects influenced their brains.
Not only did patients' moods improve, but Dr. Savage also found historical evidence of psychedelic substances being used in ancient cultures. I was particularly inspired by a set of Guatemalan stone statues from 1500 BCE that depicted psilocybin mushrooms. I discovered this reference in Charles Savage's papers within the Special Archives Collection (MSP 70 Box 1).
How I Created the Photos
Motivated by this find, I crafted mushroom sculptures from paper mâché to use as props in my photographs. I used pages from medical books, specifically those that referenced medical terms, to link the mushrooms to their long and contested history in the medical field. I then captured the
Archival materials consulted Charles Savage papers, MSP 70, Boxes 1, 2, 5 and 7
October 2019 - December 2019
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Studio Arts Professional Practice/Senior Exhibition
"Intersecting Elements"
April 16, 2019-May 4, 2019
As a Senior in the Art Program, all students from different majors are required to complete this course. This course allows students the study of professional practice in the contemporary art world; ethics, gallery, exhibition, studio practice, writing, visual documentation, and business of art. Seniors meet throughout the spring semester to organize, install, and de-install Fine Arts Senior Exhibition - held in the Ringal Galleries at Purdue University.
In this series, I crafted objects designed to make the audience reflect on different addictions. The photographs feature twisty balloon creations that, along with their titles, highlight the fragile and often ambiguous nature of many seemingly attractive or desirable behaviors and activities. The photos are paired with a short animated film that depicts the internal struggle of making the balloon objects. Additionally, I developed a custom computer program (in Processing) that uses the sounds of twisting balloons to control the size of spikes on a screen. Through this, I aimed to showcase the ambiguity of my materials, balancing between fun and danger.
October 2018 - April 2019
Westwood Exhibition
About the Exhibition
The Westwood Competition is a semiannual juried art competition which takes place in the fall and spring each year. The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students in the Patti and Rusty Rueff of Design, Art, and Performance at Purdue.
Who Judges the Exhibition?
Artworks are judged by Westwood staff and residents, and accepted works are exhibited at Westwood, the residence of Purdue University's president (at the time Mitch Daniels).
Who Can View the Art?
Westwood is a private residence and is not open to the public, but private viewings are available. A private reception recognizing the accepted artists is held each spring.
Five Accepted Pieces!
I had the privilege for the judges to select five of my artworks in the Westwood Manor. All of my pieces were created in various art courses I took at Purdue University. I am proud of this accomplishment, and it speaks volumen to my creativity and talent.
National Association of Schools
of Art and Design Exhibition
February 2018 - March 2018
Undergraduate Exhibition
February 2018 - March 2018