Jessica Schwind

MFA - 2001 - University of Connecticut

Current Residence and Occupation - New Haven, CT/ Yale University Art Gallery.

For as long as I can remember, I have always loved the idea of anthropomorphism, that is, the act of attributing human characteristics and qualities to non-human beings, objects, natural or supernatural phenomena. For instance, I still believe if you accidentally drop an M&M, jellybean, penny, etc., on the ground, you should drop another so that the first one you dropped has a friend. I have even come to tears when my husband has thrown an apple core from the window of a moving car, and I imagine it lying on the road alone.

In many ways this belief has influenced my work. I am drawn to holiday objects that embody contrasting emotions. My heart breaks for the decaying pumpkins after Halloween that look so sweet, pathetic, cute and disgusting as they rot on the front porches of people's homes. I have trouble eating a chocolate bunny with out feeling sadness for it's lost life and I have both pity and adoration for objects that have past the prime of their lives. On another note, these holiday objects that I empathize with often covey a false hope of the season that can be filled with stress and disappointment.

These photographs have been an on-going series that I will continue to develop from season to season.