Breaking Free, represents myself channeling the healing process after experiencing extreme bullying throughout my youth. The sculpture encapsulates the aftermath of suffering power imbalance from bullying and rebuilding my eroded identity of anxiety, depression and isolation. The sculpture is indicative of healing deep rooted internal wounds of my physical, mental, and social well being. It was created as a restorative means to reclaim the fragments of myself that felt shattered and isolated by my peers.
The life size head sits atop a muslin and plaster column. The drapery that wraps around my neck, continuing downward throughout the entire pedestal, dramatically cascading onto the floor represents the protective barrier I used as a restorative measure to heal thus mimicking a cocoon in the metamorphosis of a beautiful butterfly. The mannequin head depicts a melancholy expression that rested on my face. The silver embellishments covering my entire face and head symbolize my reflection in the mirror of beauty that became recognizable after the bullying.
Sitting atop the crown of my head is an angelic halo consisting of small silver butterflies, representing the early profound stages that my body felt after wrapping myself in the healing cocoon allowing transformation into a beautiful butterfly.
