My work investigates the decision points that push an individual from places of cynicism or ignorance to sacrifice and hope. I am intrigued by the seemingly small, rational steps that take people far from where they began and imagined they would be or become, both for the better and the worse. What were the milestones along the way? Whose voices were being listened to? What other options were available? Specifically, my palette is colored with political environments and their impact on the world individuals inhabit. Political environments, for me, include prevailing societal norms and expectations as well as “capital P” governmental structures. I want to shine a light on how we choose to recognize, or not recognize, the impact of our environment in the way we live our lives. It is too easy to allow ourselves to become ignorant, so we do not have to face the impact of political environments on others, especially those not like us. Similarly, it is easy to acquiesce to others’ opinions about what and who we, ourselves, should be. I am interested in those who comply and exact submission from others, as well as those who are able to discover themselves as the true arbiters of truth, particularly when that leads to sacrifice that could otherwise be avoided in order to honor the humanity of others.