Ritual

Mixed media (acrylic, collage paper) on canvas.

24x36x1.50"

Measuring Up is a maximalist exploration of the internal and external pressures of identity, worth, and social expectation. Built through a frantic, layered process of "adding and subtracting," the work functions as a psychological map of self-evaluation. The composition is anchored by a literal measuring tape, which acts as a rigid, linear spine against a chaotic backdrop of acrylic washes, aggressive graphite sketching, and collage elements. I integrated disparate paper scraps, including a watchful eye and a bird silhouette, to represent the feeling of being observed and the desire for flight. The interplay of symbols, from gender signs to mathematical marks, speaks to the constant tallying we perform in our daily lives. By utilizing the 1.5-inch deep canvas, I allowed the marks to wrap around the edges, suggesting that the search for balance and the "measure" of a person is an ongoing, boundless process that cannot be contained within a single frame.