this project is an exploration and not a statement.
lately, i have been thinking a lot about what it means to an adult, and what it was like to be a child: in today's culture, childhood seems to be getting shorter and shorter, and once it's gone, it's virtually irretrievable. (is this sounding redundant or too preachy? I do like the 'virtually irretrievable’ sappy-ness though) As children we have this idealized fantasy about growing up – it all seems so glamorous and important – so many choices and freedoms, the possibilities seem endless ... However, reality can be far different: as adults, we often find ourselves stuck in ruts of convention and routine (close ...), yearning for times gone by when life was simpler, free time sprang abundantly and responsibilities were far fewer. We can look back wistfully to the memories, but can never fully regain the purity of the original experience.
personally, i often don't feel qualified to be an adult ... as if a part of me is still stubbornly stuck in childhood and unwilling to accept that i have actually grown up. (this statement isn’t quite there yet ... but i like the 'unqualified' bit.)
This body of work visually explores the dichotomy between youth and maturity. My model for this project was created using a McDonald's happy meal toy, which, in itself represents a strong memory of childhood – happiness (joy and imagination!) with simple pleasures ... The 4” doll was re-dressed and her hair re-strung to visually clarify/emphasize the contrast (not quite? ... to make her unique and interesting)
(this sentence says it well and sounds all educated!) The doll simultaneously represents issues of innocence and maturity – the braided hair with ribbons and the juvenile form of the body and face is contrasted with the ruby red lips and a glittering corset top paired with casual jeans. Her ruby red shoes, a vestige of her former costume as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz take on a deeper meaning in new situations.
The placement of the doll in non-typical situations creates a visual contrast between the elements, draws the contrasting elements to the attention of the viewer.