My work explores the friction between internal unease and external control—specifically, the exhausting static of constant hypervigilance. To capture this, I create batik collages illuminated from within by vintage medical X-ray boxes. This pairs a deeply personal, tactile textile art with a warm (but clinical) diagnostic glow.

I hand-dye raw cotton using hot wax resists and layered dyes, then intuitively cut the fabric into symbolic shapes. I blend these patterns with imagery of Midwestern fauna —creatures that carry dual meanings of threat and protection. This captures the contradictory nature of our defense mechanisms: how they act as both our enemy and friend.

Initially, the artwork appears opaque, hiding elements from view. The viewer must physically switch on the light box to reveal what lies beneath. This intimate interaction shifts how the image is perceived. Ultimately, these pieces invite viewers to confront their own hidden psychological layers, offering a space to reflect on how vulnerability and resilience live side by side.