Into the realm of hungry ghosts is an installation piece that explores the places in which we store memory; both real and fictional, conscious and subconscious. Using the concept of the hungry ghost, traditionally known as a Chinese Buddhist spirit with an insatiable appetite—this installation asks us to tenderly look at our own shadow sides, and the things in which we grasp to avoid doing so.

It’s important to acknowledge the psychological research of Doctor Gabor Mate who first coined the term Hungry Ghosts within the psychological community.

My intention with my time in Mexico City was to experience and absorb the incredibly rich history of clay practices in and around Mexico City. I came with a personal story i hoped to tell through my exhibition—-and found the innately narrative nature of Mexican ceramics incredibly fertile creative grounds for the making of this show. I was especially moved by the iconic sculptures called the ‘arbole de vida’—a well known piece throughout Mexico for its detail and ornate design. My personal interest with this piece began with awe for the ornate craftsmanship, and deepened with my understanding of these pieces as great symbols of visual storytellers. I knew I wanted the central piece in my exhibition to be one of these potent storytellers—-and during construction, I had the honor of visiting Metepec—the home of the arbole de vida—-and learning from the artist Rodolfo Sanchez-whose family had passed down this ceramic tradition for decades. I hope to to honor these traditions in my work and am continually humbled by the time I spent with Rodolfo and many of the other Mexican artists who shared their craft with me.

I am very excited and honored to share this show with my hometown, Boise!

If you’d like to learn more, please join us on Sunday the 21st at one, for an artist talk, that delve deeper into the meaning of these pieces, and also the craftsmanship behind the creation