MIND YOU WELL
After years of misguided projections and insecurities, I set out to reframe how I view my body and value autonomy through the Mind You Well (The Vanity Room) Collection. Over the span of 2 years, I documented this ongoing process in my work by highlighting my bare body in a way never done before - as the subject of my paintings in the literal form - using words that resonate with the woman I am today. My initial thought was ‘if I could present my body as art, then I could learn to view her as art.’ More specifically, I could learn to actually love my body. But I gained something more refined through this process, a deep appreciation for my body and how she has enabled me over 31 years of mobility, agility, and creativity thus far despite the self-deprecating thoughts that arise when I look at her in the mirror. Although I still struggle with body insecurities, I am more gentle with myself because my autonomy seeps through my mind, body, and soul. My body is different, but she is mine and I will tend to her with the grace and love she deserves. I will mind you well.