Look at Me

Becoming Animal and Look at Me are my attempt to answer a question with a question: how does one make sense of being a human animal?

The world is vast, and beautiful, and terrifying; and overwhelming to a point where coherent words and linear understandings fail. As I tried to find ways to somehow communicate that singularity of a moment of a human experience, I arrived at “collage poems” — extended beyond paper cutouts to combine traditional poetry, diary entries from the last 5 years, found materials, personal photo and art archives, and hand-drawn animations.

I found comfort in 4 specific animals — the Rat (intuition), the Trout (friction), the Osprey (power), and the Cockroach (persistence) — that became guiding symbols for both this project and my own reflections. Each animal symbol holds a concept or a feeling, shaped by folklore and associations. Each symbol thus became a Path — a thematic guide for the experience I am inviting you to participate in.

I invite you into a mutual exchange:

1. Select the thematic Path — each Path creates a slightly different experience.

2. Share your name, or any other word you want to go by.

3. Share what feels important to you at this moment — select the question that is most resonant to you.

What belief about yourself no longer serves you? What brought a smile to your face this week? What are you seeking more of in this new year? What do you want to leave gently behind? What is one question you would ask the world right now? Wildcard: share something that's been on your mind.

4. I will share a personalized fragment of my understanding of being a human animal with you. Your inputs — your Path, your name, and your answer to the question you chose — will be algorithmically mapped onto a unique selection of collage poems from the collection.

Your inputs are anonymous and never leave the browser. There is no time limit for viewing each poem, and you are welcome to both linger or move quickly.

View Poems