Belonging

My work began with open vessel forms, suggesting containers able to hold mem-

ories, experiences, responsibilities, and relationships. Over time, I began to close

these vessels, allowing them to become more bodily, human, and emotionally

charged. Stacked into a totem-like sculpture, the forms explore layered identity

and the roles we carry. Traditionally, totems have served as markers of ancestry,

identity, protection, and community. Here, the totem becomes a contemporary

marker of belonging. The female figure reflects the weight of balancing family,

work, care, and community. The colourful surfaces make each form individu-

al, showing that belonging does not have to mean being the same. The stacked

spheres reference regional headdresses worn with German Tracht, symbols of

cultural identity and recognition. At its core, the work asks how we find our

place — as women, as artists, and as individuals seeking both self-expression and

belonging within a wider human community.