Overspray of the Heart

I grew up in a neighborhood where the most distinguished way to honor a person’s life was to paint their portrait in a mural on a bodega’s roll-down gate. You all gather once the artist puts up the final details, say a few prayers, leave your flowers, and then respect the space by keeping the concrete sidewalk around it as clean as possible. Over the years, the portrait got duller (because of the cheap Rustoleum spray paint) but it was okay, because their influence remains within each person they impacted. I remember pointing out to my mom that it was weird they only did it for people who died but I was always shooed away to watch Looney Tunes or something.

I came to the City of Worcester as a wide-eyed freshman at Holy Cross and quickly fell in love with the medium-sized city and all of its quirks. Over my four years here, I’ve made good friends with politicians, graffiti writers, professors, skateboarders, janitors, beer brewers, state representatives, researchers, small shop owners, professional photographers… the list goes on. This city allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of myself by dedicating time to listening to and valuing the stories of others.

From the use of historical materials such as linen, to my depictions of crackling bits of concrete, Overspray of the Heart is a series that blends both of these experiences while simultaneously beginning a conversation about the spaces and places where we appreciate art.