Second Place Warm Glass - "Contagion Effect: the soldier series"

My artistic practice is invested in discovering new ways to promote military and veteran experience by introducing stories about army soldiers prior, during, and post service—to examine a soldier’s life and discover the perpetuating hardships from military service. I embody the psychic and physiological effects war has on the individual’s physical and mental health, through installation and sculpture.

Searching through emotional content from memories of service and deployments, may excavate your feelings deeper into unknown responses—viscerally taking you back to that moment. I am seeking ways to confront, discuss and relate to what mental health challenges present for not only myself, but other transitioning veterans. Making this work helps relate to memories of the past and access those histories, providing clarity and a path forward—to better understand and reconcile post experience.

Presented in the meticulous hand packing and glass casting techniques of Pate de Verre and combined with objects worn in combat, this helmet triptych sequentially reflects the before, during, and aftereffects from military service. This Army Combat Helmet has been transformed into glass to provide delicate insight of the individual lived stories, difficulties and personal challenges of a soldier’s service, separation and reintegration. A new understanding of these stories is introduced through these objects, instigating a dialogue about military service and veteran experience.