Welcome to my fourth-year Studio Art major thesis show at the University of Virginia’s Ruffin Hall (May 2022).

During COVID, I was able to spend greatly needed time outdoors, walking barefoot and taking in the world around me. I realized how much I had missed being within nature, being a part of it. My work started to shift towards trying to externalize the feeling I have when I am within nature.

We, as humans, are part of this greater natural world. In our current existence, we always rush from one task to the next. Even when we take a second to see a beautiful sunset, immediately we snap a photo and move on. Being in nature, being a part of something greater than ourselves, but also one with ourselves allows me to find peace. My thesis explores my perspective on the connection between humans and the natural world.

You are invited to take off your shoes, step into the dirt, and walk slowly through the exhibit. Once immersed in the dirt, you transform into a part of the exhibit itself. We are all one within nature, whether we recognize it or not. I hope immersing yourself in my perspective brings a sense of peace and oneness to our natural world.