Confessions

#1: Family Tree

I've never been close to my extended family. My dad's family lives in Iowa, and the distance made it difficult to visit often. I don't really talk to anyone from his side of the family except for my older half sister and half brother, who live even further away on the East Coast and visit us every once in a while for holidays. My mom's family lives only 20 minutes away and I still only see them once every few months. While it would be nice to be close to everyone and have that kind of familial bond, I don't feel bad about feeling awkward on the phone or only talking via thank you cards. For this project I want to make some type of sculpture that plays on the idea of a family tree. I could incorporate some of the cards we've exchanged, wrap a telephone cord around the tree, or put different items that represent what my extended family is like in my head (i.e. beer bottles, money, etc).

#2: Never Been Kissed

I'm nineteen and I've never been kissed or in a serious relationship. I know that it's not the end of the world or that I shouldn't be embarrassed, but it's still awkward to play games like Ten Fingers and have nothing to say. I'm happy being single, and I'm not looking to find a boyfriend. But I can't help but wonder why. There's nothing "wrong" with me... right? I'm not completely incompatible with everyone I meet. I want to eventually get married and have kids but the idea of getting there is so foreign. I've never been in love. I want to do a project that embodies clichés about teenage romance. I might do something with the game spin the bottle or try to make a collage video of romantic comedies.

#3: Introvert

I'm generally a shy person, and I'm not very talkative. When I'm with friends who like to talk nonstop and are very animated people just assume that I can't get a word in. But in reality, I have nothing to say. I enjoy listening to others, taking in their stories with the occasional head nod. I don't like feeling pressured to participate in conversation--if I have something important to say, I'll say it. I'm not sure if my silence is related to how comfortable I feel around certain people or if I'm just naturally inclined to be quiet. For this project I want to record my friends having a typical conversation and speed it up, juxtaposed with an image of me sitting still. It'll be like the world is swirling around me, out of control, chaotic and exciting, while I stay in my own space.