Midwestern Constructs

is a series of self-portraits that have allowed me to better my understanding of myself while providing an opportunity for the viewer to self-reflect their upbringing. This series examines my childhood and its effect on my identity. Having attended Catholic school from preschool to eighth grade, my childhood was surrounded by Catholic ideals and themes. As I have grown older, I have reflected through my work on how these ideals of femininity, sexuality, and ways of thought have affected my identity.

My childhood home is the background for many of my photographs as it offers the ideal location to examine my childhood. Overall, the series aims to begin conversations with my audience and encourage them to question their own identities and upbringings while also understanding and criticizing my own.