Madi Brunetti
“Going into The Create Award Residency I wanted to create six large-scale self-portraits combining oil paint, embroidery, and insects. These three modalities allowed me to encapsulate the many relapses I experienced during my decade long struggle with Anorexia. I wanted the work to capture the duality of all things, how something can be disgusting and beautiful all at once. Throughout the residency I garnered a newfound confidence in not only my skill as an artist but also my ability to communicate the many facets of my artistic practice. Art Gym provided the space and support for me to be vulnerable, giving me a platform to share my own story, and encourage others to be more gentle with themselves and those they interact with.”