Laguna College of Art + Design

The process of creating the work that makes up Bareable was unexpected for me. It was an opening to self-healing that I was unaware that I needed so badly. With each painting that I created during this process, I made a new discovery about myself that I sought to explore further. What began as an inspiration to paint fruit still life slowly transformed itself into a metaphor of personal empowerment, self-acceptance, and understanding. The figures within my work are bare as they handle fruits that have been torn apart to reveal what is inside. The act of handling a fruit that has been torn apart has come to be a metaphor of self-acceptance and control over sexuality after a history of abuse. The figures and exposed fruits are supported by floral patterns and colors that appear vibrant and beautiful. By creating paintings that are so vibrant and fill me with joy to experience, I have been able to transform pain and self-destruction into healing and empowerment.