I need to honor my first art series, which began with photography. I was a senior in high school, and stumbled on inspiration while visiting a cadaver lab. I was initially unfazed, but when my gaze lingered and dwelled on the hands of the cadaver, I found my heart catching in my throat. I couldn’t hear the professor’s lecture anymore, but could only think about the hands once embraced, the letters once written, the children once held, the instruments once played…

I created this series, reflecting on sensitivity and complexity of connection.

I was instructed to submit pieces for an art show, as part of an assignment. I was shocked to find one of my pieces was accepted, and that was my first art exhibition and experience in the world of fine arts.

I no longer have that piece (or any good record of it) and I’ve forgotten the titles and details of these artworks, but I will never forget that experience.