My Reliquary 2
My Reliquary 2, 2025
24 × 24 × 20 inches
ceramic stoneware, glaze, 3d printed objects, candles, acrylic paint, fabric, polyester fill, rope and tassels
In 2017, my world was redefined by a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. In the years since, the physical and emotional toll has been so absolute that the person I was before feels less like a former self and more like a distant, flickering memory. Chronic illness doesn't just change you; it audits your life, claiming pieces of your identity as its own.
My Reliquary is a physical manifestation of that internal loss. I have constructed a shrine-like space to house representations of the things Crohn’s has taken from me- vessels for the hobbies, energy, and spontaneity that once defined my existence. This shelf is not just a memorial; it is a place of reverence where I can reconnect with my history. It serves as a sanctuary for the parts of me that are gone, but not forgotten. As I continue to navigate this journey, this installation remains a living work, with future iterations to follow as I continue to process the relics of my life.