masked

artist statement:

This work is made up of a handful of other pieces that I had previously discarded. In the center of this work is a watercolor face, split in half to represent feelings of discontent. The face is also sitting on a green bust that is surrounded by a collaged background. I am not gifted with the beauty of Aphrodite nor do I have any of the features of most Instagram models. So, in a way, the streaky lines and thick thighs on this bust are a glimpse at my body type. For many years I have struggled with my body image, arguing with myself about whether to embrace my imperfections or to berate myself until I lose the extra weight. These back and forth thoughts swirling through my mind is another reason why the face is cut in half in this piece. In the end, I have to realize that my imperfections are what makes me unique and beautiful, it is so much easier to be myself than to try and be someone else. The background consists of many torn paint strips, which I used to give the piece a more messy feeling. Life is messy, relationships are messy, and thoughts are messy. I may not always be confident in the way I look due to life feeling messy, but at least I’ll have this piece to remind me of my beautiful imperfections.

—Paige Crowley