The Cycle

Content Warning (hover to view)

CONTENT WARNING: This content contains or explores content that touches on any of the following topics: abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, verbal); aspects of psychology and mental health and contains depictions of self harm, substance abuse, eating disorders, or suicide; swears or curses; hurtful or hateful language; discrimination (race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender orientation); aspects of pregnancy; blood, violence, assault, kidnapping, trauma, or dying. Please read or view with care.

Ava F.

Venus White Clay and Glaze

• Artist Statement

  My piece “The Cycle" focuses on the reality of Bulimia Nervosa, an eating disorder where a person forces themselves to purge after eating. My project brings to light the guilt and shame consuming someone's head while purging. The words graffitied along the sides of the toilet represent the inner thoughts consuming someone's head while purging, this is often called the “eating disorder voice.” These thoughts can be so overwhelming it takes over a person's mind with guilt, trapping them in a cycle that feels like it may never end. Many people believe that bulimia is a choice or something that's easily controlled; however, they completely overlook the mental battle constantly happening. During this project, I was challenged to face my own history with bulimia and body image and this made me feel vulnerable. By creating this project, it helped me express and confront feelings I've avoided for years.

• Creative Statement

  To me creativity is how someone chooses to express themselves no matter it be in art, writing, or even how they choose to solve problems. Creativity isn't only art its also a way of thinking.