IIn The Need to Keep, I draw from personal experiences and the narratives of others to create miniature scenes that explore mental illness and hoarding disorder. Rather than creating exact replicas, my sculptures showcase a variety of scenarios and stories. The overwhelming accumulation of objects in my work represents the unsafe living conditions and impaired daily functioning often experienced by individuals with hoarding disorder. Beyond physical clutter, I also examine the emotional impact of hoarding and how objects hold memories, provide comfort, and shape our identities.

The medium of miniatures offers me a unique outlet to process and convey my complex emotions tied to hoarding disorder. I challenge the traditional dollhouse by depicting gritty and chaotic scenes. I also refrain from using dolls or figurines in my work. I suggest human presence and a lived-in space by carefully placing items with traces of wear. My miniature scenes evoke the feeling that someone has just left the room. In a room filled with things, I reflect on the personal connections we form with our possessions and why we feel the need to keep them.