More Than Material Art Show Virtual Tour

"Metamorphosis" by Bailey Guggisberg
Graphite On Watercolor Paper

Artist Statement

My name is Bailey Guggisberg and I am currently 18 years old and a senior at Sartell High School. Over the past few months my final idea continued to change. It started out on a smaller piece of drawing paper, but now has ended up being a graphite drawing on watercolor paper entitled Metamorphosis. The drawing is derived from some of my own personal experiences. I received guidance and input from my mentor Paul with some teaching in watercolor from Sheena.

I struggled with self harm for years and am still working on overcoming that period of my life. It has not been easy or quick, but change rarely is. The butterflies in the image represent change and how it may be messy and slow, but change happens either way; for better or worse. Self harm is an all consuming process. It takes over your body as well as your mind. I was stuck in the cycle for years before I even started taking the first miniscule, but monumental step to tell someone about it. From there, change started creeping in even if I didn’t notice it at first. I wanted my piece to be a reflection of this truth and hardship that I have worked to overcome.

A year ago today I wouldn’t have identified myself as an actual Christian. I went to church on Christmas and Easter, but God was a part of that process of change in my life. I have slowly, but without fail, started to grow in my faith as well as understanding of what it means to just be present in life. I would love to thank the people who were directly involved with helping me reignite my faith and being there while I was struggling. I would also love to thank Paul because I had never considered myself to be an artist before this and he really helped me learn different techniques and ways to express myself as well as tips on how to expound on my piece.

Oral Statement