Research and Rabbit Holes: Feb 2025

As part of my research for my show next year, I’ve been diving into articles and books on psychology to better understand how memories are formed, why we forget them, and how these processes shape behavior, emotion, and self-expression.
This is where the rabbit hole begins.

Because my show is always on my mind, I’ve become hyper-aware of any mention of these ideas. That’s how I stumbled upon The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene, a book recommended by another artist. I’m still in the early stages of reading it, with much more to learn and many ideas yet to form, but the first 100 pages have already been unexpectedly transformative. The book weaves historical examples with discussions of emotions, logic, and psychological principles, making complex ideas feel tangible and relevant.

One historical figure who has particularly stuck with me is Ernest Shackleton—an Antarctic explorer whose expeditions ended in failure not once, but multiple times. What struck me most about Shackleton wasn’t just his endurance in the face of extreme danger, but his unwavering hope and commitment to his crew. In situations where survival seemed impossible, he remained devoted to his team when it would have been easier to fend for himself. He never abandoned his goals, despite the very real threats of failure and death.

After reading about Shackleton’s relentless perseverance, something clicked. I had been stuck on an artwork for weeks, unable to figure out how to resolve it. It sat in front of me, unfinished, frustratingly elusive. But through researching Shackleton’s journey—watching documentaries, diving into YouTube videos about his abandoned hut, and absorbing every detail of his story—I suddenly understood what the piece was missing. His story helped me see the solution.

This artwork has no direct connection to my 2026 show and only loosely ties into my other nature-inspired themes. I don’t know if it will ever be exhibited; it may end up tucked away in a drawer for years. But that’s the nature of art-making. Sometimes, the rabbit hole takes you somewhere unexpected, leading you to create something you never intended to.
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Over the past few years, I’ve learned that the artistic process is tumultuous. The path is never clear. I rarely know what a piece will look like when I start. And yet, like Shackleton, I feel drawn to this uncertain journey—despite the inevitable struggles and possible failures. While my path is far less perilous than his, I hope to approach it with the same loyalty, hope, and determination—embracing the unknown and all the possibilities it holds.

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"stuck in place", 8x8in, mixed media painting, 2025