Artist Statement
I am exploring the combination of different animal aspects that fit the attributes and symptoms of mental illnesses. Before I begin to design a creature, I research which sickness I want to depict. Then I look into animal symbolism, mythology, and physical attributes. I choose animals and features that would be unusual to see together and that best fit the manifestations of the disorder, thus creating a personification of mental illness. By combining these animal features, I am creating an entirely new being, a hybrid that’s aesthetics toy with the ideas of beauty and disgust. They are designed to exist in reality, but by being different they are more likely to be rejected. Similar to how those who suffer from the illness are rejected by society.
I am further exploring these personifications by showing them interacting with humans in order to promote empathy between the viewer and the human subject. By giving the sickness a physical body I am able to show a view on how the illness affects the human it attaches to. The goal of my work is to show the insidious nature of mental disorders.