Thursday, February 20, 2025

POST 4 - MESSAGE/MISSION - THAITIANA DOZIER

The Idea and Message of My Work

My work is deeply personal, reflecting my experiences with depression and anxiety from and early age. There have been times when I felt lost, disconnected, and uncertain about the future. I know others who share these struggles—feeling trapped, unsure of their next steps, or believing they have failed. These emotions are real, universal, and deeply human. Through my characters and stories, I explore these feelings, showing journeys of resilience and growth. Whether in a fantasy or sci-fi setting, my characters navigate challenges that mirror real-life hardships, ultimately striving to become the best versions of themselves.

The Problem My Work Addresses

Life can be unpredictable, overwhelming, and at times, discouraging. Many people feel isolated in their struggles, uncertain if things will ever improve. My work aims to provide a sense of connection and hope. It reminds people that, despite difficulties, life is full of possibilities. I also hope to eventually explore societal issues through a whimsical lens, using fantastical storytelling to reflect real-world struggles in an accessible and thought-provoking way.

What I Want to Convey

Hope is at the core of my work. Even in dark or uncertain times, I want my audience to find something to hold onto. My future ceramic faerie busts, for instance, will incorporate dried flowers—preserved yet still vibrant—symbolizing endurance and beauty despite hardship. In my illustrations, my characters always have something that keeps them moving forward, a light to guide them through their struggles.

How I Want My Audience to Feel

My goal is to create a sense of connection, to let people know they are not alone. My characters form meaningful relationships, and through them, I hope to show the importance of human connection and support.

How My Work Will Be Received

I recognize that using fantasy and sci-fi to reflect reality may not be immediately relatable to everyone. Some might struggle to see the connection between my worlds and real-life emotions. However, I embrace that challenge. I believe that through storytelling, visual symbolism, and character-driven narratives, my work can resonate with those willing to engage with it.

What My Work Accomplishes

Above all, my work is a personal journey—one that brings me fulfillment. But beyond that, I hope it reaches others in a meaningful way. If someone can relate to my characters, find comfort in their stories, or simply feel something when looking at my art, then I have succeeded. My goal is to create worlds and narratives that inspire, comfort, and spark emotion, proving that even in the darkest moments, hope can be found.

These sketches were created during a time my life felt lost and uncertain. After COVID, my depression deepened, and I struggled with self-love, often seeking the validation from others. However, even in these works there are traces of hope. In the first sketch, glimmers of light are shown from behind a long with the eye looking right at the audience, signifying clarity and resilience. In the second sketch, despite the imagery, there remains a sense of passion and life.

This artwork was created as a gift for my grandmother after the passing of our cat, Bella. That year, her home felt emptier without Bella’s presence. My intention was to honor the memories shared and bring comfort through art. Initially, I only depicted the two cats with wings, symbolizing their lasting presence, but later added Henry, the small cat who joined our family that same year. This piece serves as a reminder that while loss leaves a void, the love and memories remain, and new bonds continue to bring warmth and connection.

This piece captures a cherished memory of visiting the zoo with my mother. I wanted to illustrate one of my childhood experiences—seeing penguins in person for the first time—and the emotions that came with it. While there are still elements I’d like to refine or add, the heart of the piece remains the same: a moment of wonder and joy. Alongside that, my mother’s subtle, pleased expression reflects her own happiness in seeing her daughter so full of excitement. This artwork is not just about the memory itself, but about the bond shared in that fleeting yet meaningful moment.

Though still in the early stages of development, I aspire to create faerie sculptures that capture moments frozen in time. Each piece will have its own distinct personality and story, preserving a fleeting emotion or experience within its form. My goal is to evoke curiosity and connection, inviting viewers to imagine the lives behind these frozen moments and find their own meaning within them.

As I continue to grow and evolve, so do my characters. One of them, Tori, has undergone many transformations—her design and personality shifting over time. Her most recent version feels the most defined, as if she has finally come into her own. In many ways, this reflects my own journey of self-discovery. Recently, I’ve come to terms with who I am, and looking at Tori’s latest design, I see that same sense of certainty in her. Her personality now shines through with confidence, mirroring the clarity I’ve found within myself.

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