My most recent work stems from my relationship with my brother Brian. Brian has schizophrenia. Brian and I have witnessed the effects that misunderstandings about his illness have caused. Seeing Brian's struggles has deeply troubled me.

 

The goal of my work is to educate and raise awareness about the prevalence of the prejudice and stereotypes that exist regarding mental illness. By educating the viewer about these issues, the installations lead the viewer to reconsider their preconceived notions of mental illness and the people who suffer from them. The tension created by the inviting visual style of my work and its content captures the viewer's attention. This makes my work both activism and art.

 

My digital images utilize chalkboards and psychology textbooks as the base on which to layer images. This puts my images into forms that are normally associated with teaching and learning. Most people accept what their teachers and textbooks say as the truth; I am usurping this authority for the messages of my work. I am trying to teach the viewer something.

 

Brian's contribution to my work is more than just inspiration or motivation. He writes poetry in which he communicates his experiences with schizophrenia. His poetry appears in many of the installations in the form of text or audio. When in audio form, it is Brian's voice that is recorded. Brian has become a collaborator in my work.

 

The work allows me to express my feelings on the issues in a constructive way. It angers me that my brother is perceived as dangerous and violent, when I know him as a loving and kind person. Making artworks that educate the viewer about mental illness is a way for me to help Brian by creating understanding and compassion in the viewer.