Kristy Lee
The Beauty of Individuality, 2021
Spray paint, fabrics, hot glue
30 x 40 inches
I am continually revealed. It is hard to explain – this process of seeking relief and purpose in art. Art discovers hidden identities and understandings. In my art, I often work with themes of sleep paralysis and inaction – this trapped feeling. There are times when the vision inside of me isn’t fully realized by what appears in my work. This can be devastating, but I also imagine that, in the future, I might cherish these pieces lost in the wind of my mind. Art, in its many translucent reflections, confirms that we exist with a revolving question: what does it mean to be alive? I seek ways to release and discover amorphous visions trapped inside of me, witnessing new worlds and perspectives, finding communion and identity, seeking existential truths grounded in the everyday, and inevitably, bending into a new, awakened quietude.
Jayson Mysson’s use of material in his sweater paintings have inspired my CAS piece’s medium. The different colors and textures of the fabrics I used represent individuality, and at the same time are unified within the painting. For a long time, clothes have been a way to cover my insecurities. Wearing big shirts to cover how I felt about myself and my body is how I went about every day. In my piece, instead of this juxtaposition, I want the bodies and clothing interlocking to create a unified pictorial surface. Each individual body of different shape and size will be of a different color scheme of fabrics, which sounds chaotic but, when taken as a whole is actually harmonious.
Just like how art helps me manifest the thoughts and feelings within my mind, clothing can be used by people to express their inner selves. It shouldn’t be used as a cover up to hide self-consciousness, but instead used to show off not only your outer appearance, but also your inner self. Through this piece, I hope that I can help others like me find beauty in their uniqueness.
Click images to enlarge.
The Beauty of Community, 2021
Clay, fabrics, mod podge
11 x 12 x 6 inches
I am continually revealed. It is hard to explain – this process of seeking relief and purpose in art. It discovers hidden identities and understandings. In my art, I often work with themes of sleep paralysis and inaction – this trapped feeling. There are times when the vision inside of me isn’t fully realized by what appears in my work. This can be devastating, but I also imagine that, in the future, I might cherish these pieces lost in the wind of my mind. Art, in its many translucent reflections, confirms that we exist with a revolving question: what does it mean to be alive? I seek ways to release and discover amorphous visions trapped inside of me and others, witnessing new worlds and perspectives, finding communion and identity, seeking existential truths grounded in the everyday, and inevitably, bending into a new, awakened quietude…
Wangechi Mutu has been a huge inspiration for my CAS Ceramics Project. She pieces together beautiful figures through collage, conflating gender, race, art, history, and identity. I wanted to take an experience of mine and create a piece inspired by my emotions, confronting them, and understanding myself within the world around me. I’ve always been very insecure about my outer appearance, especially my body. I know how much social media has an effect on young girls, including me, so I wanted to create a piece about women coming together and building a strong body-positive community, one that may not always be available in the real world.
