As Seen in Queer Expression: Exploring Identity through Art

The pieces featured in His, Hers, Theirs, Ours: Queer Expression at Pajaro Valley Arts are a meditation on identity as expressed through physical form. Whether intentional or by circumstance, externally imposed or self created, the appearance of one's body is a result of countless moments in time. For many in marginalized communities, there are aspects about our lives and bodies that are beyond our control. Through art and expression, I can find joy in reclaiming agency over what belongs to me. 

By sharing the story behind each piece, I hope to provide a little context and shed some light on how I saw them fit into the theme of the exhibition.  

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Double Feature

Choosing to focus on one part of the body at a time, I invite the viewer to inhabit and experience a moment with me, as I did. These point-of-view perspectives feel more authentic to my own perception and experience than a third person view. 

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Handsey

If you've read my earlier post Project Mink, you'll know my cat was attacked by two dogs when he was less than a year old. This was obviously traumatic for him, and while he's physically recovered, he can be reactive in certain situations. Mink travels with me to my studio and office without any issue, but when he gets out into my yard where the incident occurred he becomes fearful and will avoid coming back inside. 

On one such occasion Mink ended up stuck in a neighbor's yard. I had to pull him out from under a fence, resulting in him scratching and biting my hands for dear life. I knew if I didn't calmly get him back inside, he'd be at an even greater risk of getting lost or hurt.

Afterwards my hands were covered in open wounds that took weeks to heal. As I looked through the first-aid section at CVS, I chose a box of brightly colored bandaids instead of the typical beige options. In the moment, I felt like it would be funny, but I found myself carefully picking out which color or pattern would go where on my hand. The bandaids became another element in my wardrobe, rather than a means to hide my mangled hands. 

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Wet Paint

This piece feels like layers upon layers of serendipity. Each element guided by chance, converged into something that took me by surprise. 

It all started with a discarded silk screen in a free pile near my studio. Inspired by the  pattern separating the "canvas" into four sections like a comic book, I wanted to communicate the passage of time.

Wet Paint, Mixed Media on Silk Screen

Because I work in a shared studio space, at the end of session, I put a wet paint label near my works in progress. Over many days, trying to get the face right and wiping it away, I put the label directly over the figure's face out of frustration. As I came back to it the following week, I found that the wet paint label felt more true to the story that was unfolding. 

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It was such an honor to be included in  His, Hers, Theirs, Ours: Queer Expression at Pajaro Valley Arts. I was grateful for the opportunity to show my work along side so many wonderful artists and get to celebrate the community at the reception. 

Having the space to reflect on the diversity of experiences within the queer community feels especially important in this moment. 

If you're interested in hearing more about the exhibit, I'll link an interview with one of the curators, Melissa West HERE!