To create a personable and comforting atmosphere in my work, I focus on imagery found through my own collection of old photos, to drive my process of reconnecting with my childhood. The point of view is never my own, but I am always a part of the composition- Ideally, I pick images I either remember fragments of the moment myself, or can connect a spoken memory to.Whether the memories are that of a dreamlike nature, or an event that I can recall clearly and concisely, I enjoy allowing myself the opportunity to ease away from reality and tether with an altered version of the moment I'm depicting. This disassociation between myself and the moment makes me feel as much as an outsider looking in as it does connect me back in time. My childhood experiences drive the specific imagery and materials I choose in my pieces- Imagery of lace and wallpaper repeatedly appears in my work when I reflect back on the settings I grew up in. Growing up in an Italian-American family, aspects of the home decor like gold trimmings, detailed wallpapers and lace table skirts stand out when I put myself back into the visual atmosphere of the households captured in the photo. Through my use of collage and mixed media, the lines where a memory starts and the dreamlike atmospheres of these moments in time blur in a way I am fascinated by. I lean into bright color palettes and playful textile, capturing the youthful lens I once saw the world through. Small but important details like the teddy bear on my lap and my dog nuzzled on the dramatically large chair aid in creating the feeling of comfort and protection I like to believe I always felt as a child. I find comfort in painting a version of myself I can indulge back into when the craziness of my newfound adulthood and the hardships that can accompany it become overbearing. I have always found the most comfort in my sister, and my painting, while a tribute to a distant memory of myself, is also a small ode to the companionship and safehaven I have always found in my big sister. The fragmented figure in the background of this piece is a signifier of the adult presence always there, looking in at a distance. Reconnecting with moments suppressed in my subconscious makes the process of creating the pieces themselves not only exciting and challenging, but incredibly rewarding.