2021 Grad Show

Emily Aman

Jewellery & Metals

In my work, I like to explore ideas that help me strengthen my self-connection, and often use art as a tool to analyze how I connect and understand the world around me. My latest body of work 'Work For Me' was made in response to my recent ADHD diagnosis and has played an influential role for me in learning the value of self-acceptance. With this work, I was interested in the places where my interactions with the world and my ADHD intersect, a process that helped me learn to love what makes me unique and unlearn feeling shameful about it. In other areas of art, I am inspired by psychology, nature, music, and pop culture. Some of the work I have been greatly enjoying as of late comes from artists Tatsuya Tanaka, Mando Bee, Sally Hewett, Katerina Kamprani, Seungeun Kim-Lilja, Jan Hakon Erichsen, and Yasuko Azuma.

Blindness, 2021 Time Blindness is a term used to describe the lack of awareness of passing time in individuals with ADHD, often resulting in an inability to use time efficiently. Specific hours in a day hold more importance over others, for example when I go to work and are noted on the watch face, while the clock hand swings around freely, passing over the invisible hours between them. Brass, acrylic, faux Leather 8in X 1.17in X 0.75in

I Forgot. 2021 Forgetfulness is a common misnomer used to describe difficulties with memory recall in ADHD. Important information one should know will sporadically be unavailable to recall when needed, a constant inconvenience. Things that I should know but can't always remember such as my social insurance number, my dad's birthday, or my home address are tucked inside the locket. These valuables are able to remain close at heart, but their permanence is hindered by a hole in the bottom of the locket.

I Forgot (Detail) Brass, illustration board, acrylic 18in X 2in X 0.75in

AUArts Grad Show EA3_10 – Something Shiny

Something Shiny, 2021 Being easily sidetracked is a hallmark staple of ADHD, and even for adults, the natural inclination to move from task to task without finishing is often viewed as childish behavior. Wood and wire toys are usually provided for children in adult spaces to help maintain focus, increase attention span and learn about object permanence. Something Shiny reflects the struggles of focusing as an adult through playful contemporary jewelry. Wood, aluminum, brass, acrylic 12in X 12in X 6in

Stuff, 2021 This collection of earrings is about the 'Piling vs Filing' system associated with ADHD. Photographs of these accumulated piles around my house have been collaged together in a range of organically shaped earrings. No two are alike, however, a consistency still remains. Brass. illustration board, rhodium, collage, puff paint, acrylic 1-2in X 1-2in X 0.5in

Stuff (Additional Pair)

Work For Me: An Exploration of My ADHD

In this collection, I explore living with ADHD through various jewelry pieces. Each piece is about turning frustration and vulnerability into an aesthetic as a way of reclaiming my ADHD for myself. In other words, I am making ADHD work for me. All pieces were made using on-hand materials to further continue the theme of working with what you've got.

Work For Me: An Exploration of My ADHD

Blindness, 2021 Time Blindness is a term used to describe the lack of awareness of passing time in individuals with ADHD, often resulting in an inability to use time efficiently. Specific hours in a day hold more importance over others, for example when I go to work and are noted on the watch face, while the clock hand swings around freely, passing over the invisible hours between them.
Brass, acrylic, faux Leather
8in X 1.17in X 0.75in

Work For Me: An Exploration of My ADHD

I Forgot (Detail) Brass, illustration board, acrylic
18in X 2in X 0.75in

Work For Me: An Exploration of My ADHD

Stuff, 2021 This collection of earrings is about the 'Piling vs Filing' system associated with ADHD. Photographs of these accumulated piles around my house have been collaged together in a range of organically shaped earrings. No two are alike, however, a consistency still remains.
Brass. illustration board, rhodium, collage, puff paint, acrylic
1-2in X 1-2in X 0.5in

Work For Me: An Exploration of My ADHD

Stuff (Additional Pair)

Omaha Beach, 2020 "Omaha Beach" From 'Saving Private Ryan' by John Williams. Sterling Silver, Steel 6 x 2.5 x 2 inches

Overdosed, 2020 "Overdosed - Matto Remix" by Dzouns & Dzesika, Matto. Steel, Copper, Sterling Silver, Acrylic 6 x 1 x 0.5 inches

Shades, 2020 "Shades" by Tchami, Donnie Sloan, Ricky Ducati. This is a large steel headpiece that presses on the temples where the sides extend. When the wearer moves, the steel extensions wobble and vibrate against the skull uncomfortably. I often experience a similar feeling when listening to music of this genre. Steel 48 x 15 x 13 inches

If Ye Be Risen Again With Christ, 2020 "If Ye Be Risen Again With Christ" by The Choir of St. John's College Cambridge, Orlando Gibbons, Philip Scriven Copper, Brass, Steel, Clay, Wood, Acrylic, Satin 55 x 13 x 13 inches

Translating Synesthesia

Translating Synesthesia is a body of work about visually expressing the shapes and colors experienced through synesthesia when listening to different genres of music. Each piece is named after a song that emotionally resonated with me, and is my own creative interpretation.