Cori
they/them
Gainesville, FL, USA
Assigned female at birth, Cori felt assaulted by biology and abandoned by humans. In 2022, they returned to art after a 20-year absence. In that period, they became a scientist, embracing logic to camouflage the emotional and physical toll that grief and shame took on their spirit. Returning to the studio rekindled a desire for self-expression. Learning to weld forged a new pathway lit with hope that gave their body a sense of purpose. If they can bend and fuse metal, what else can they accomplish? They underwent top surgery in 2023 and will continue making art that celebrates the positive changes they have made to their body and spirit. They use metalworking to connect their inner and outer strengths – their endo and exoskeletons. Alongside metal, they infuse other materials into their work including clay, paper, wood, and fibers to strengthen connections to nature using air, water, fire, and Earth.
“Opening this window reveals a new identity. Steel is the skeleton that frames the transformation, juxtaposed with the delicate gauze that symbolizes protection and repair. The pattern of dents left by the spot welder and dots of glue to hold the gauze signify the careful research that provided the structural support. The sun’s rays were used to cyanotype the gauze with a wave pattern representing restorative energy and the blue color of the sky. Once open, the waves align with the scars that allow the body a new outlook on the world, to breathe more deeply with the lungs and heart closer to the surface.”
How does your work relate to the theme connection?
“This piece represents connecting with a new sense of self after surgery. Connection was important in creating the piece. I had access to a spot welder and used the pattern of dents it left to emphasize the connection between the front and back of the frame. I used a similar series of dots of glue to attach the gauze and decided to leave them exposed when the windows open so that the viewer can see that connection just like seeing the scars. I dedicate this piece to all people who have had a similar surgery whether to treat or prevent cancer (as I was high risk), and/or to reshape the body to better fit your definition of self (which I had been dreaming of since a pre-teen). It symbolizes the connection I wish to make to those in a similar situation as myself, the opening of the window to reveal my identity."
"Framing New Energy", Steel, gauze, 16" x 12" x 10", 2024What role does connection play in your creative process?
“I utilize materials and methods and themes to connect people with each other and with nature. Many of my pieces are about harvesting energy, the impacts of climate change and repurposing atmosphere-measuring devices to collect data on waves of energy and filter water. Technology has disconnected humans from nature and each other, and I hope to help reestablish that connection that is vital for life to keep existing on Earth."
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Francely Flores
What connection(s) does your queerness make to the world around you?
"I actually feel that my version of queerness disconnects me even more from the world. I am celibate and don't wish to look at or talk about body parts that should remain under clothes and so it is hard to be around anyone that is open with their body and their views on activities that involve putting their body with that of another. I am only comfortable now talking about my upper body after my surgery and would not be comfortable looking at anyone else's bodies unless they had the exact same surgery removing all parts. That is a small percentage of people. But I am hoping that through art, I can connect with people like myself and find the sense of community that I have always lacked."
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Simon Leung
Anything else you would like to share about this work?
This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
“I began researching nonbinary identities and top surgery two years ago, had surgery a year ago, and am now trying to find ways to express myself as words don't seem to convey the right message."
[queerphoria]v4 @ ECU Symposium
