As a child, one has no creative inhibitions. You could give a child a pencil and they'll draw something without fear or reluctance. Where does that go as adults? Why does it become hard or unrealistic to let go of inhibitions when we’re older?

These are questions I ask myself when creating. Recently, part of my practice has been letting go of perfectionism and allowing myself to just simply create.

I focus on learning about my abilities, something I’ve never allowed myself to do. I have been using materials as a way to denounce toxic perfectionism in my practice. Letting go of having a polished perfect piece in order to create. It is important to me (at this point in my practice) to accept imperfection as a way to heal myself.

In most of my work, drawings center around illustrations and worldbuilding of my inner fantasy world. I focus on depicting an imaginary world that exists in my mind. When I close my eyes or daydream, I can vividly construct places; characters; interactions; and scenes. These are so real in my mind, almost like I can travel to another plane of existence and experience it. I am interested in worldbuilding and translating my visions to reality. I allowed myself to build my confidence and draw as many scenes as I could. One day turning these illustrations into a graphic novel or personal project.

With the dioramas, I allowed myself to create art that’s messy without holding back. Battling the feelings of guilt and toxic perfectionism while using raw materials as a way of healing those detrimental feelings. I used paper mache, paper pulp, cardboard, construction paper, and hot glue. For reason that these are non-perfect household materials.


Elizabeth Moore is an undergraduate student at the University of North Texas in Denton. Elizabeth currently majors in studio art with a focus in drawing and painting, and has earned an Associates of Art Degree from McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas.