While working with my senior thesis in printmaking, I explored the idea of
identity through an introspective lens. While developing my thesis I chose
to study the relationship between sexuality and identity. For years I’ve felt as
though I’ve lived with my own secret identity due to my sexuality and used
intaglio to express my thoughts, feelings, and experiences with my identity.
Stolen Identities, intaglio, 18”x 24”, 2015
This piece reflects the overall feeling of not really existing at all. I
felt that in order to maintain my secret identity, I couldn’t be seen
at all so I avoided as much social interaction as possible.
I used a mixture of rough and cloudy textures to create a mood
representative of my own clashing feelings. I used a combination
of sugar lift, aquatint, etching, and surface roll.
felt that in order to maintain my secret identity, I couldn’t be seen
at all so I avoided as much social interaction as possible.
I used a mixture of rough and cloudy textures to create a mood
representative of my own clashing feelings. I used a combination
of sugar lift, aquatint, etching, and surface roll.
Secret Identities, 3 color photo-intaglio, 16”x 20”, 2015
I decided to address how exactly I thought of my “secret identity” in my
thesis. I was inspired by tattoo artwork and how they become part of a
person’s identity. Superheroes are also a large influence in my life because
I felt I had something in common with them. The X-men in particular were
ideal for my intentions. There has been a long standing allegory between
the comic and the real life gay rights movement which suited my thesis well.
Of course I posed for this print and I’m facing away from the viewer to
emphasize the secrecy of this part of me. The imagery is pulled from
the X-men comics. The Sentinels are major enemies in the X-men
comics and I felt it appropriate to represent my own demons.
Using a digitally created image separated into 3 color
plates I printed a cyan, magenta, and yellow.
Enemies, chine collé/intaglio, 4”x 6”, 2015
As part of a smaller set within my Identity series I decided to
feature myself again because I’m covering a topic very close to
myself. I’m pulling more imagery from the X-men comics for consistency
and I add some sugar lift elements for texture.
There are some violent undertones in this small set to show
a stronger emotional response to the external pressures
set on me due to the secret identity I was living with.
Enemies is representative of the overall feeling I have regarding
my sexuality. I felt like I was seen as a target and
because of that I had to hide a big part of who I am.
Resistance, chine collé/intaglio, 4”x 6”, 2015
Resistance is a strong piece with my body more open and facing forward
because I want to show the audience that I do eventually become
open with my identity and embrace it, ready to face my enemies.
Calling back on the idea of tattoos and identity, on my shoulder is the
X-men logo because, to me, they represent solidarity and acceptance.
Warzone, chine collé/intaglio, 6”x 4”, 2015
Warzone is more dynamic than the other two in that it was designed
to invite the viewer to see things from my perspective.
In each of the pieces I focused a lot on the relationship
between my form and negative space.
