THESIS STATEMENT: ROUND ONE

I am currently in the process of revising my thesis statement because my reading and thinking over Fall Break has (again) helped to make my direction more clear, resulting in some changes. However, below I have included the first draft of my artist statement in order to document my process.

Beyond Vulnerable

To be vulnerable is essentially to be at risk, to be somehow susceptible to physical or emotional harm or ill will. 

What if we could step easily beyond the limitations set by our vulnerabilities? Perhaps we could overcome the disadvantages of social pressure, of self doubt, and even the constraints of our own physical bodies. Perhaps we could shed our fears of exclusion and inadequacy. What if our interpersonal relationships were not stifled by our internal fears?

What if we took the risk?

Embracing vulnerability means accepting a certain level of risk, of sacrificing personal security for the chance at something better than simply safety. There is grace in that. There is grace in finding peace with a purposeful surrender of oneself. There is beauty, grace, and a twinge of discomfort in taking that leap of faith.

My paintings teeter delicately between causing discomfort by means of distortion and inviting the viewer to appreciate the warmth of rich color or beauty of carefully executed details. Depicting this balance through the meeting of contrasting styles carefully respects the complex issue of confronting vulnerability by recognizing the fearful possibility of harm while celebrating the potential for transcending our fear.