My work explores the realms of ecological entanglement, biology, and naturalism as they relate to human experiences of community, transformation, joy, trauma, and healing. I am interested in ecological anecdotes as tools to understand ourselves, specifically recognizing parallels between systemic abuse of the environment and of women, trans, and queer bodies. I encode my experience as a queer and trans person living in Appalachia within images of natural phenomena. In this work, I connect the effects of invasive species with the overwhelming influence of heteronormativity, the process of metamorphosis with the experience of coming out, and cycles of decomposition and growth with my ever-changing understanding of identity.

 

Much of my practice revolves around place-based materiality, as I incorporate local natural materials to create sculpture, installation, handmade plant paper, and botanical pigments. The processes of foraging/harvesting, breaking down, and making anew play an important role in my practice, tying me to my ecosystem and supporting themes of ecological entanglement, sustainability, and healing in my work.