Abstract
My thesis examines identity and voice through an exploration of self and community. There are two main components, the presentation itself, and the visual work, which is a short film. I reflect on my past as it informs my present, and occupy an inbetween type of space. The film can be viewed on its own, or with the talk I gave. They are both different experiences. When viewed after the talk, there is a small journey that the audience takes with me before the viewing where I tell parts of my story as the happenings of my life greatly influence my creative process, and inform my voice.
Artist Statement
I am a queer creator. I use this word to summarize all the other words that I use to describe my identity. I make animation, illustration, and often use a mix of digital tools to bring a project together. I also like to use pens, pencils, and paper to make sketches; this allows my ideas to have a form I get to touch directly.
My work functions as a way for me to connect to the world and create connections between others and myself. In my animated documentary, I use myself as the subject, giving voice to my experiences and feelings in order to let other people connect to me. I know that though I often feel alone in my struggles and even sometimes in my victories, that I do not have to experience life, no matter what is happening at the moment, separated from myself and others. However, that is a hard outlook to keep. I create to explore the parts of life that have caused me deep sadness and pain, but also to dive into the absolute joy that can come from being alive. When I use sound, I keep it quiet because there are not enough quiet places in this world for people to just be and reflect on what is around them.