Chewed Up

Anonymous

Hot glue and gum on white cardboard

• Artist Statement

  I wanted to emulate anxiety through the sensory-focused medium of chewing gum. I chose gum because it’s a personal expression of anxiety for me and a physical coping mechanism that many of my peers could relate to as well. I aimed to create a sense of chaos and disarray by layering the gum pieces, using different sizes and shapes, and varying the textures by chewing them. I also tried to suggest motion, mirroring the constant chewing associated with anxiety, by creating a gradient from large pieces of gum to small torn fragments. The clenched teeth centered in each piece further reinforces the feeling of anxiety.

• Creative Statement

  Creativity means to me being able to express ones self, letting go of perfectionism and going with the flow.