My research-based studio practice is an exploration into the microbial universe and its relation to self. This work is propelled by a desire for understanding the mutualistic relationship between my body and the beings that use my body as their home. Through harvesting, isolating and identifying bacteria in the laboratory, I absorb factual and aesthetic aspects of microbiology. This information is abstracted and translated into a visual language that is applied to my sculptures. The resulting pieces push the boundaries of what epistemic objects are by questioning what is lost and gained through each translation. My materials range from things used in the lab, like growth media, equipment and living bacteria, to more synthetic materials like resin, silicone and latex. This spectrum creates a rift wide enough where I’m able to question control as the maker and agency for nonhumans. My physical reality is not mine alone.