My twin brother and I’s own journey with neurodiversity.My medical diagnosis and research into ADHD and autism in women.I knew I wanted to experiment with an art practice that allowed me to really become ‘one’ with the process from start to finish and allowed me to incorporate varying textural elements which is when I came across sun printing and thus cyanotype. Researching into more unique art styles and mediums I could use.The physical mask also represents how aware yourself and others are that you are different but due to a reductive society you won’t know why until you’re done growing, and the impact this has on your present self. Through photoshopping the scans of my medication to create a ‘mask’ over just me, I wanted to place emphasis on how growing up, subconscious masking becomes such an innate part of oneself, you have no concept of who you truly are. The main theme of the work aims to encapsulate the inner struggles experienced growing up with undiagnosed neurodiversity. ‘Swallowing the Pretense’ is a display of cyanotype prints, featuring my childhood photos and scans of medication. My work was always on my mind, even when I wasn’t necessarily creating, I was noting down and applying things I heard and saw in the world. I struggled to sleep or spend time doing anything else, which wasn’t always practical. I found myself totally and utterly absorbed in the creative process. The way in which my creative practice took over my life. Interesting/challenging aspects of creating the work … Similar elements as the first installation, with additional materials like rusty bottle tops, metal pieces, plastic bottle lids, CDs, and a cardboard box.Various elements, including cut-up paper, drawings, a black book with tape, masking tape, duct tape, glad wrap, tin foil, staples, printed images, and urban materials found in the environment.Personal and meaningful objects are incorporated into the artworks.Found objects, such as fruits, wooden trays, ceramic bowls, worry dolls, incense, and personal creations using oil pastel, ink, cardboard, and paper.Serve as primary inspirations, media, art, music, walks, exploration, and observations of the surrounding environment assisted me with my development toward my final outcome. I focused on the mysterious and incomprehensible elements of childhood memories and feelings of connection with people. I reflected on personal beliefs and life experiences related to shrines, spaces, and rituals. The theme of shrines, sacred spaces, and rituals was initiated by a list of ideas, allowing for an open-ended exploration without limitations. My main starting points stemmed from mysterious elements, things not being fully understood, childhood memories, and feelings of connection with people. The piece explores the profound connection that arises in these environments, emphasizing their spiritual nature. Similar to the previous installation, this artwork pays respects to urban spaces, delving into the spirituality and divinity associated with rituals and adoration of objects within an urban context. The artwork serves as a prayer to urban environments, acknowledging their significance in the artist’s spiritual journey. Rituals, adoration of objects, and time spent in these spaces are examined for their ability to create a powerful and spiritual connection. This installation extends the exploration of divinity and spirituality, paying respects to urban spaces. The artworks transcend personal associations to explore the universal power of all things to spark connection in individuals. The artist reflects on personal experiences, noting how specific acts, objects, and places foster a sense of connection. These artworks delve into divinity and spirituality, exploring the profound connection evoked by rituals, adoration of objects, and time spent in certain spaces.

Michaels pencil box