As a woman, I often feel the need to validate my work conceptually in a way that proves to others my intelligence. For the past year and a half I have directed my art focus towards political topics, ignoring the maker in me who wanted to bring what was naturally swimming around my head into the world. Finally, I have decided to listen to the feeling, emotion and fantastical that I live with every day instead of trying to comment on a society that is depressing and leaves me sometimes feeling hopeless. I will no longer try to prove my worth as an artist by backing up my work with facts, numbers and topics that call for more action than they do art. Listening to feeling is okay. Not creating political work is valid. Creating work that excites me is important. Most of all, dedicating my practice to myself is what will car
For the remainder of my time at OCAC I will be focusing on those fantastical world that I have in my head and hold dear to my heart. I haven’t been this excited about a direction I was heading in for quite a while. Although this will open new doors to my process and my work, I am positive it will create more vulnerability and questions I don’t have the answer to. But I am excited for this challenge and I am ready to add my experience to the art world. 
sophia hargreaves 