My previous series, Dressed, explored themes of isolation while also playing with pattern in abstract compositions. Inside/Outside continues that emotional focus while placing the subjects in more narrative, personal settings.

After years of pandemic-era restricted social interaction, many people longed for close and extended engagement, desperately wanting to gather and commune without constant health-checks and underlying fear.

Although these changes were a welcome relief to the community at large, the extended isolation for all of us left many in a state of incapacitation. For some, the years of distancing reinforced existing introverted tendencies, leaving them even more uncomfortable with public events and interpersonal communication. For others, the concept of socializing seemed welcome on the surface, but when faced with leaving the home to attend a group event, those excited by their newfound freedom could face waves of distress or a sudden inability to follow through. Even self-identified extroverts had to navigate the act of direct communication again. Many of us struggled to connect, flailing with language and manners. Having spent so much time alone with ourselves, are we any more comfortable with who we are? Or are we even further apart?

All of the subjects in this series face that internal debate. Whether meeting the day, just trying to arise, or preparing for a special event, each of them must ask themselves, “How ready am I to face the world?”