Artist Statement
I use my work to contribute to a larger conversation surrounding mental health and the human experience. I am heavily influenced by the style of pop art and utilize a satirical language to invite guests to be comfortable in approaching a stereotypically uncomfortable and difficult conversation. I aim to invite viewers to be vulnerable in a comfortable, judgement free space, as I project my own vulnerabilities and explore different experiences with and perspectives on mental health.
Working in a variety of materials ranging from wood to found object installation, I use polished finishes, bright colors, and striking titles to invite viewers into something that appears light, bubbly, and happy. Upon further investigation, the satire becomes clear, and what started as inviting and exciting reveals itself to be a discussion of something more serious, and sometimes difficult to engage in. I choose to do this to serve as a representation of the fact that not everything is as it appears, and as a means of making viewers feel more comfortable in their initial approach.
I strive to use my art as a catalyst for something much larger than itself. Currently, I am using my art to educate people about the mental health crisis plaguing our world and to generate thought and conversation around it. My goal, ultimately, is to use art to give back to my community and create a safe space for others to feel free and comfortable in facing and expressing themselves. There is a need for a community that offers a safe space for people to feel seen and understood so that we can collectively redefine our outlook on mental health. I aim to dedicate all that I do creatively to ensure the creation and longevity of this community. Knowing you are not alone in your experiences makes the journey less difficult to endure, so my message to my viewers who may be struggling is that I hear you, I see you, and I am here for you. If my work can motivate one person to take the necessary steps towards helping themselves heal and move forward, I feel I’ve done my job as an artist.
Artist Bio
Brittany Coburn received her Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 2017 and went on to attain her Master of Fine Art in Sculpture from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2022. She has a background in custom design and fabrication, as well as teaching. Coburn’s main focus is creating interactive work that invites viewers to participate, while simultaneously using her art to create a safe space and give back to her community. Most recently she’s worked with the non-profit, Bring Change to Mind (BC2M), to produce a series of work and curate a show of 20+ artists. 100% of the proceeds went to BC2M to support their mission of generating conversation to help end the stigma that surrounds mental health within our society.