I hate artist statements partially because I feel like I can’t possibly condense everything in ONE statement that would define me as an artist. I am not sure I even want to define myself as an artist. But more than anything I have never liked expressing myself in writing. Writing does not come easily to me and is the reason that I am not a writer. I always feel that my words are disconnected from my true thoughts, like they are lost in translation. Aside from this language barrier I know that my ability to communicate conceptual ideas is essential and I am constantly trying to break through this wall.
Instead of declaring myself an artist I am writing that I am artistic. I like being creative, using my hands to make things, but I have no profound mission or greater agenda that inspires my work…not yet at least. I do however love capturing those unique details that perfectly develop a character. I find that costumes are the perfect medium for me. I enjoy presenting images that help tell the story, make an impression, and provoke both thought and emotion.
Theatre helped me realize the importance of telling a story through images and capturing the things that mark a moment in a person’s life. I am truly interested in the connections we have to items of clothing that we associate with a culture, family member, or time period. It is the reason we cannot part with the necklace that was given to us by someone no longer living. Unfortunately it is the same reason we save our ex-boyfriend’s sweatshirt. I love the idea that we can hold on to a piece of that person, like we might forget them otherwise. These are the details that I mentioned and they are the roots of my designs. I am a costume designer; this much I know and maybe one day I will write a statement as an artist…to be continued.