In American culture, the media promotes a pervasive reality of female perfection. To some degree all women experience the feeling of failure to achieve this idealized image which forces the viewer/believer into distorting, constricting and even starving ourselves to achieve this ideal. We seek outward acknowledgment in order to increase our self esteem, letting other estimate our value, rather than accepting and valuing ourselves.

Each of the five figures represent a separate search for belonging and acceptance in today’s American culture. Within this search, my intent is to explore how our experiences, attitudes and spirit provide the basis for how we feel about ourselves. Each figure represents everyday expencienes and trait that when combined form our identity.

The process of creating these figures relates to how we are formed. Genetically we are given ‘specific points’ in which we physically form. Choices and environment also affect how we form, both physically and mentally. Throughout the processof making these figures, I was faced with many decisions. Many people asked if I used a mold. The fact that I created these figures, layer by layer with individual imperfections and choices, supports the idea of growth. The result is a convincing “persona” that communicates my ideas of individuality and beauty.