Idea: Identity

The factors that determine one's identity have been debated and discussed for centuries. 

“Identity is conceptualized as a broad biopsychosocial self-definition that encompasses the individual’s self-representation in the areas of physical functioning, cognition, personality, relationships, occupation, and social roles broadly defined. Normal, healthy(nondepressed) adults attempt to maintain positive views of themselves in these realms, preferring to see themselves as loving, competent, and good. This set of positive self-attributions is maintained primarily through the process of identity assimilation, which, as in Piaget’s theory, is defined as the interpretation of new experiences through the existing schema of identity. When experiences become sufficiently discrepant from an existing identity, the individual may then begin to make appropriate shifts through identity accommodation. According to the theory, as in Piaget’s, it is assumed that the ideal state is one of balance or dynamic equilibrium between identity assimilation and identity accommodation.” (Whitbourne, Susan, Joel Sneed, and Karyn Skultety. "Identity processes in adulthood: Theoretical and methodological challenges." Identity An International Journal of Theory and Research. 2.1 (2002): 29-45. Print.)

The concept of identity and who I am plays a huge role in my work. Specifically, my family has had a great influence on determining who I am and why I am the way I am.  Ideally, I want to use my research to communicate how family influence one's development as a person and as an artist.