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This digital 3D model, a life-size domestic setting in an arid desert, is an homage to the beautiful mirage of worldbuilding; the art of crafting a fantasy world. While creating this model, I used a myriad of inspirations, weaving together both fiction and fact to make a fantastical place feel real. One source was N.K. Jemisin’s science fiction short story The Ones Who Stay and Fight. Jemisin’s tale is the beating heart of this project: all design decisions were determined by her words. Other sources included actual archeological sites, lending some history to my make-believe setting. Finally, the stylization and layout of the model recalls one of my favorite video games, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Overall, this project was as much about the creative process of synthesizing seemingly disparate inspirations as it was about crafting a scene that has a sense of place and rest. Each aspect of this model - the sun-stained grass, the shaky lines of the mural, the crumbling stone - was digitally sculpted with care. As each part passed through several pieces of software, I utilized my research and focused on weaving realism and fantasy into a joyful symphony. At its core, this project is an homage to all the art and stories that have gotten me this far. I hope, through the vivid pixels on the screen, you can feel that gratitude as the desert wind brushes sand against your skin.

“Grounded” explores the beauty of nature by bringing generations together. I have always been fascinated by the natural world, and as I continue to explore new mediums, that inspiration has grown into a larger presence within my work. During the rapid pace of technological growth in our society, humans have lost touch with nature and, in turn, with ourselves. In this installation, I utilize techniques from textiles, sculpture, printmaking, and painting. Techniques I have gravitated towards throughout my diverse career as an artist, used in combination to affect all senses. This work is a multifaceted, six-part composition that explores different mediums while challenging traditional boundaries. The installation invites viewers to engage their senses by touching the moss rug, listening to the flow of water, and searching for creatures hidden throughout the piece. By creating a tactile, immersive environment rooted in nature, the work offers a shared sensory experience that resonates across generations, by inviting older viewers into reflection and younger viewers into discovery. I draw inspiration from the work of Andy Goldsworthy, whom I was introduced to as a first-year sculpture student. Since then, I have continued to study and practice his techniques, and this installation embodies what I have learned both in his work and nature itself. Creating this interactive piece serves as a testament to nature and the solitude it provides. I hope this work encourages viewers to step away from the screen and reconnect with the natural world around them.