Through my recent series of sculptures, including "Candy," "Tongue Tied," and "Tongue Tied, Too," I confront the intricacies of living with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), anxiety, and depression, and how these experiences shape my sense of self and creativity.

Since childhood, I've found solace in creating small objects with polymer clay, yet often struggled with perfectionism, discarding my creations when they failed to meet unrealistic standards. This pattern mirrored the ways in which trauma has impacted and reshaped my identity.

In "Tongue Tied," I explore the profound impact of trauma on self-expression. The visual metaphor of splitting and re-lacing a tongue symbolizes the futile attempt to mask or ignore trauma, represented by the delicate pink ribbon—an emblem of superficial repair.

"Tongue Tied, Too" delves into the physical manifestations of anxiety, illustrating the sensation of losing one's voice amidst overwhelming emotions. The pink ribbon, typically associated with innocence, serves here as a symbol of emotional confinement and hidden pain.

"Candy" delves specifically into my relationship with mental health medication. The split tongue signifies my internal struggle with dependence on medication for managing depression and anxiety. The precarious balance of pills on the tongue reflects my fear of mental instability and the fragility of self-care.

Through these artworks, I embrace imperfection and challenge stigmas surrounding mental health. Each piece invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of internal struggles and the resilience found in embracing vulnerability.

Ultimately, my art becomes a medium for self-acceptance and healing—a testament to learning to love my imperfections and the process of reclaiming my voice through creativity.