Self-Portraits in the Age of Selfies, 2019, Mercury 20 Gallery, Oakland, CA

Loveworn, 2017–19, a favorite sweater of the artist, dustpan. photo: Mary Curtis Ratcliff

Loveworn (detail), 2017–2019, a favorite sweater of the artist

Pinned away from the wall, black strips of decayed material are loosely knitted together, forming a long narrow tapestry with gaping holes. Worn out, the fabric hangs by mere threads and tiny bits of material form a small pile in a dustpan on the floor.

Originally, this was a favorite sweater of mine, one I wore beyond its useful life. I remember buying the pullover in an upscale boutique but later upon looking at the tag, I discovered it was actually from J. Jill. Slightly surprised that I had conflated multiple experiences, I realize that my memory, like this material, is also subject to erosion over time.

Pipe Dreams, 2018, City College of San Francisco Art Gallery, San Francisco, CA, dimensions variable

Multiple capped pipes stick out of a wall of the City College of San Francisco Art Gallery. Painted in a effort to blend into the white walls, these pipes no longer serve their original purpose and speak of rejection, restriction and unrealized potential. How might I honor these aborted conduits by means of material extension and offer them support and encouragement to dream?

The three intestinal-like coils made of bedsheets and unwanted wool thread represent perseverance and stamina in getting through difficulty and achieving seemingly impossible dreams.

The Rub, 2018, found wool and cashmere sweaters, thread, polyester fiber stuffing, nightstand

Reverie, 2018, the artist’s leftover pieces of conduit, gold metallic paint, pillows, pillowcases, hardware, dimensions variable

Reverie is inspired by the joy I had of experiencing conduits sounding like wind chimes. From further away the gold color elevates the pipes and is a metaphor for success. At a closer distance, the shoddy paint job is a reminder that success isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. The pillows hold the offering of a stick to hit the pipes against each other to experience life’s simple joys in this moment.