"It is the mind that makes the body." Sojourner Truth

As each of us makes our way through life, we acquire many things. Out of all of these "things," the experiences we have and the resulting memories are by far the most important. Past experiences and the accompanying catalogue of memories come together to construct a person's state of mind and make up who they are as people. This state of mind is unique for each and every person. It influences and dictates both how we see the world and how we react to it. Without this state of mind, we are nothing; and in being so these memories are indispensable, irreplaceable, and forever invaluable. 

As we go on living, new information is brought to light and new experiences are had. With the acquisition of new thought, we reinterpret our own history, perceiving our memories and past differently. This process of change in perception is something that both goes unnoticed and never ceases. Yet these new transformed and altered views of our past are the most true to our being, for they take into account the current emotions and feelings of the perceivers. These ever changing emotional versions of memories are even more precious and valuable because of their inherent ability to demonstrate how we have changed and who we are today. 

This thesis body of work portrays an investigation of the transformations of my personal perceptions. Symbols of transformation house and nurture representations of memories and my perceptions of them, fostering transformation further. Referencing the cocoon, chrysalis, pod, and eggshell, symbolic portrayals of transformation, the work consists of abstracted, vessel-like forms which contain material representations of these precious perceptions of memories. Utilizing the pin mounting system developed by entomologists to study and display specimens so that they can be best examined, these ceramic "specimens" are put on display using steel pins to help the viewer and myself to look deeper, in the interest of better understanding the self.