Mixed media collage has become my therapy and a tool in which I explore the complexity of mental disorder and sexuality. Using paint, drawing, and collage allows me to develop layers that explore the instability of tranquil health, to a re-imaging of illness, suicide and sexual desire. Situations such as suicide, shock therapy and paranoia are dissected through the use of disparate images, stripping psychological fears and long-held social taboos. Symbols like Nazis, guns, animals and wonder woman are the red thread that weave their way through my work; juxtapose to these layers of symbols are fragments of people reminiscent of color form sets that I played with as a little girl. Taking my cues from the daily news, alternative comics and medical references, I transform the cultural misunderstanding of anxiety with new visual realization.
