For this theme, I began by recalling impactful euphoric moments in my life. Out of all of these, I felt there are three types that manifest from different aspects of myself. One type comes from the physical body. It is mindless and consists of pure sensation. The cheeks, lips, chest, and fingers flush, filling with singing blood. These sensations coalesced into the visuals behind Burn & Burn II.

Another type of euphoria comes from the mind—the moment of clarity in a breakthrough, an inspiration, or a connection to something greater than oneself. These experiences are represented by an inner light shining forth in Clarity & Clarity II. The light flashes so brightly that all around it falls into shadow. 

And finally, the last type of euphoria is the most unexpected. It is the sudden flood of emotions that bursts from your chest. Where did this joy come from? This relief? It rushes out in tears, in uncontrollable smiles, in sobs. When this type of euphoria runs away with you it can overpower and mutate into mania. This is the inspiration behind Sudden & Sudden II; an emotional exaltation pouring out, demanding to be let into the light. 

Each of these photographs is an intimate self-portrait exploring the facets of euphoria—physical, mental, and emotional. Because I am a makeup artist first and foremost, I incorporated makeup techniques and textures into these designs in order to bring more depth and color symbolism to the final images.