Reece, 2021

Reece is a piece that was created as a way to process the loss of my cat. After the summer of 2021, in which Reece had to be re-homed, I experienced a large range of emotions. Thus in an attempt to give form to these feelings, I created three sculptural spheres using multiple layers of string and glue. Each sculpture is about the size of a miniature balloon, onto which the string was initially wrapped. This size communicates a handheld object, in which I encourage viewers to interact with the piece and hold it in the palm of their hands. Holding such a piece creates the experience of physically carrying burdens. By soaking the string in a glue and water solution, I was able to achieve a form that holds it's shape after completely drying. Specifically, the various layers speak to an accumulation of grieving. Additionally, the spheres range in color, depicting the range of emotions that I experienced. The colors span from white to dark blue, in which the darker colors reflect a familiarity with difficult emotions while the lighter colors hold relationship to moments of relief. The piece calls attention to the fact that grieving in itself is not a linear process. What’s more, the work reflects a very personal experience while simultaneously hoping to connect with others. Bringing others into a piece of this collective grieving becomes a way for us all to reflect on such an intimate experience.