smile

artist statement:

This project was inspired by my life experience during my Junior year of high school. When I got the prompt for this piece, I knew I wanted to create something that would be a reflection of my current emotional state. This project was made when I felt overwhelmed in many aspects of my life. With the ongoing pressure of school, work, maintaining good relationships with family and friends, and the adjustments from hybrid learning, I often felt like things in life was moving too fast. After dealing with these pressures throughout school, I began to feel as if I had to put on an artificial smile for others. I showed these emotions in my piece through the bright and large smile that was added over my face. This feature sticks out and looks uncomfortable on my face, showing how I viewed myself at the time. I also collaged in clouds in the background to visualize how isolating it can feel to be struggling emotionally and feeling like no one can relate to you.

—Cameron Cunniff