I am a young filmmaker and artist from Fargo, North Dakota. My artwork ranges from specific narratives to pure aesthetics. I employ a wide variety of mediums in most of my pieces, including my films. I am non-binary transgender. This identity is a large influence on my work, whether conscious or unconscious. Non-binary not only describes my gender, but my philosophy of life- my view of existence, I believe nothing is black-and-white, and our incessant need to categorize things in this binary way is the root of most struggles in our lives. This dichotomy infects all issues from homophobia and transphobia, racism, classism, and ableism- all these issues, stem from the idea of “us and them” when in fact, we are all one and the same- neither and both. This is the lens through which I create my work and live my life. I have been an activist in my community since my teens and this work can often be overwhelming. As I have matured, I have increasingly felt the need in my community, and other communities fighting oppression, for joy, positivity, and hope. As a young artist, my work was an outlet for my angst, but now I realize the effects of only creating in that space are detrimental, not only to my health but the health of my peers. I have begun a shift to more uplifting art that will give people the opportunity to rest and refill themselves so they can continue their work with renewed spirit. You may see this shift in my collections and be able to tell when a piece was created based not only on skill development but the overall message and feeling the work conveys. I hope to continue this positive work as my contribution to the fight against oppression in my community and all communities.
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