Most of my projects start out as a both “a goof” and a serious attempt to attract attention to myself. Getting a gorilla costume just seemed like a fun idea at the time but, it has led to an interesting journey.

The gorilla is something we all can, literally, relate to in some primitive way. I use it as a tool to play with culture and see where I fit into it. It has been hard to be vulnerable in public so I performed in some way for as long as I can remember. Creating a relatable character that also provides total anonymity takes me out of the equation. We all wear masks, in some way, to move through the world. The gorilla, instead of protecting me, allows for me to be more emotionally open and able to connect.

The things I struggle with today are not new or unique. It’s normal to wonder about one’s place in society. The tendency to embellish, exaggerate, and outright lie about one’s status has been demonstrated throughout history and art. When given the opportunity to tell our story, leaving out the more human parts comes as no surprise.

With “influencers” polishing a perfect existence and “curating” a lifestyle brand across all social media platforms, it’s no wonder that humanity has been suffering from low self-esteem and depression at near record levels. We’re actually signing up to feel bad. I have certainly experienced the effects and exhaustions of trying to keep up. 

So, the gorilla is my safe haven. I use the mask and costume as an obvious tool in in front of the camera and make our common humanity the subject of my work.