The Lollipops series emerged in the immediate wake of the 2008 economic recession as a deliberate exercise in emotional resilience. Utilizing human-scaled and oversized forms, I turned to the visual language of childhood to inspire a sense of radical lightness during a period of global instability.

These "ridiculous" and joyful installations—painted on both sides—feature imagery inspired by the "monsters" of the animal kingdom. By placing these misunderstood creatures within a glossy, sugary aesthetic, I explore the tension between what we fear and how we choose to perceive it. This series marks my first investigation into the concept of instant gratification, offering a surreal and hopeful reprieve: Have a lollipop; everything will be alright.

While these oversized forms celebrate the immediate relief of 'Instant Gratification,' they laid the groundwork for my later investigations into the disciplined, slow labor required for true 'Delayed Gratification' and lasting repair.