My investigation uses slow craft to reveal the healing processes within myself and others, informing the development of craft objects that harmonize with universal methods of recovery.

 

Existing between binaries as a bipolar woman, I experience both elevated and depressive emotional extremes. These conflicting states fuel my practice of slow craft as an essential method of personal healing. The restoration I find in craft inspires me to use my artistic skills to bring mental balance and emotional processing to others. Using the insights of the body, I craft functionally stimulating forms called healing devices. These devices implement known, effective human healing methods, drawing inspiration from somatic therapy values. Activating the body and senses, my objects release previously inaccessible sources of mental turmoil, physically processing sensations of trauma and emotional buildup.

 

My devices work to generate healing revelations as day-to-day objects doubling as therapeutic tools; enhancing our self-care and confidence through daily routines and ritualistic practices. The use of wood and other natural, renewable and reclaimed materials support the healing process by providing grounding, tactile sensory experiences. Emotional themes and meaningful symbols retell personal narratives while eliciting self-reflection. Conceptualized with honesty and whimsy, my crafts blur the line between mundane items and expressive sculptures.