This sculpture reflects the anxiety I feel about how others perceive my body. I went through a long period of time in my life where I did not have access to warm water, heat, nor a way to wash my dirty laundry. I also developed many bad hygienic habits due to the lack of parental guidance, and I went to school terrified that people could tell just how bad I had it at home. I walked the halls as a poor kid amongst the rich. A cockroach amongst the peacocks even.
To this day I am still terrified to tell people about how I didn't know that I needed to use body wash until high school, and I still hide my teeth in shame for the years of built up stain, and the lack of dental insurance to cover any treatment regarding to fixing the aesthetics of my mouth. Right now I ponder deleting this, but it is the inspiration behind this piece nonetheless. To post this is the courage that this piece is meant to represent. To not look for permission to wear your body with pride, and to laugh it off when your armpits smell just a little too much like onions.
To this day I am still terrified to tell people about how I didn't know that I needed to use body wash until high school, and I still hide my teeth in shame for the years of built up stain, and the lack of dental insurance to cover any treatment regarding to fixing the aesthetics of my mouth. Right now I ponder deleting this, but it is the inspiration behind this piece nonetheless. To post this is the courage that this piece is meant to represent. To not look for permission to wear your body with pride, and to laugh it off when your armpits smell just a little too much like onions.