How do humans seek comfort when dealing with mental illness? How does time anxiety invade the human condition? And how can printmaking serve as a mode to cope and address one’s thoughts?

 Through my experience coping with severe depression, anxiety, and grief, I have found great comfort in the natural world. The Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) inspired the groundwork of this project. The practice offers ecotherapy to combat the effects of modern-day stresses. While taking nature walks and sitting in the outdoors, I carved into aluminum plates, responding to the environment and documenting how I felt in that moment. The quantity and scale of these works allowed for unrestrained artistic expression and omitted any pre-conceived expectations for the end-product.

This piece is a process-based work that will continue to develop and change.  It aligns with the process of mental and emotional healing. I hope to capture a moment of reflection on past self, experiences, and progress within this piece. Even when facing extreme hardship, the lengthy process of printmaking provided me with a therapeutic experience while encouraging productivity and providing a healthy distraction.

I took a walk… encourages intimacy and vulnerability in the hopes to help viewers reflect on their own afflictions or struggles. My hope through this work is to advocate for mental and emotional support and healing for all its viewers.