Teacher Name: Ms. Custodio
Grade: 12

Materials: Copper
Dimensions:  3.5” × 4”
Description: Hand cut and filed copper with a liver of sulfur patina.

Artist Statement: In my art practice, I am inspired by the world around me and those who came before me. I draw from both my personal, familial, and community’s history and interests to influence my work. Most of my work is meant to showcase, elevate, respect, and adorn the human form. I love working with observational art, using people as my subject. And, while I realize it is not the most ethical, I do this both consensually and non consensually. I love taking classes and using professional models to draw from, but even more I love adding the person sitting across from me on the train or the group of people playing kickball in the park to my sketchbook. I want to show people how I see the world around me. The emphasis of my work is to deemphasize the notion of “I” in both my own and other’s lives. I want to show that everything is beautiful on its own but it all works together to create something even more spectacular. Every curve, line, shape is unique on its own but together they create the image you are looking for.
I also use my art to connect to my own identity. A majority of my practice is in the craft of fiber arts. It is a long standing tradition for the women in my family and making this type of art connects to my own womanhood as a trans woman. It has allowed to first conform to womanhood and become a woman, and then use the traditional and historical processes to make something new and stand out.
I love to connect to be able to use my art to connect with both my inner self and those around me at the same time

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