Radius Studio Big Pride, Little Art Group Show

Hold Me (2023)

I have to admit this piece felt a bit out of place in the Big Pride, Little Art show at Radius Studios this July. My work was a bit too subdued among the array of typically bright, rainbow colored, in-your-face “we’re here, we’re queer” art of my fellow artists. This statement in no way is meant to disparage my comrades, whose work was overflowing with powerful messages. But I wanted to explore the side that we don’t always see in Pride exhibits: the quiet, tender, intimate moments shared between lovers. The way our skin seems to remember the fingers that caressed us, as if imprinted into our very flesh. Hold Me is a request. The vessel, much to the dismay of any gallery, begs to be cradled delicately, it invites you to intimately explore its contours like you would with a lover.