Metamorphosis
Alyssa W.
UV clay, soft pastel, thread，metal frame
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My portfolio contains three pieces, which are a tangible recreation of the cancerous spread of depression and anxiety among teens, starting at the mind and slowly seeping into the heart. The beginning of the spread is centered around the face, the left side of the mind surrounded by a flower of disease seeping outwards and dripping down. Surrounded by a mesh background, the heart, with blood-filled veins connecting to it, is filled with liquid blood, and a drop is centered in the middle of the heart, representing the most central and vulnerable part of the body slowly being infected. Lastly, the shoulder design acts as almost an armor to fight against the cancer, with spikes and offensive structures. I hope to show how depression targets where we are most vulnerable and to show that we can defend ourselves by wearing an armor of protection.
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What inspired me to focus on adolescent mental health was the tragic suicide of a childhood friend last Christmas. The sadness compelled me to reflect on the profound harm caused by mental illness and how art can serve as a means for teenagers to cope and heal.
