Blōd in Antique Union Case Photograph

For as long as I can remember I have been preoccupied with human mortality. However, it was my own personal experience with the unexpected loss of my father due to complications with chemotherapy that initially inspired me to turn my focus toward fine art and the still life genre, with an emphasis on grief. This exploration led to the creation of my body of work titled "Awaken." where I indulge my fixation and construct vanitas tableaux that reflect on death - a once normalized approach to acknowledging mortality and appreciating the beauty of life. Through carefully crafted still life photographs, digitally captured, and brimming with hidden messages, iconography, and expressions of color, I seek connection to the deceased and delve into the complexities of grief. In doing so, I reclaim and elevate the categorization of still life as an art form. The images from this body of work offer an intimate experience for the viewer, encouraging inner contemplation on our ever-evolving relationship with the transient nature of life. They also provide a safe space for mourning and connection. When you encounter someone who has experienced grief as vou have, everything changes. In summary, my work aims to break the silence surrounding grief, honoring the tradition of public mourning while also creating a meaningful and introspective space for individuals to connect with their emotions and shared experiences of loss.