Artist Statement

Being a twin often comes with the typical pros and cons people think of when they imagine having a twin: support and encouragement in every activity, the so-called twin telepathy, or the 24/7 comparisons. But beyond these basic ideas, there are more unexpected dynamics that shape the experience of being a twin. One example of this is the constant challenge of identity: being able to be seen as an individual while sharing so much of my life with my twin. We are often viewed as the same person or simply referred to as a package. Not Max or Riggs, just the Beans. These aspects are often misunderstood, and this lapse plays a significant role in shaping how twins see themselves and are seen by others.

Through my photographs, I hope to explore and communicate the many layers of being a twin. I want to challenge the viewer’s assumptions by showing that the real experience of being a twin is more complex than the common stereotypes suggest. I additionally hope to learn what I believe it means for me to be a twin. I had never thought about it deeply before, and it was enlightening to be able to learn that about myself before I demonstrate these views to others. My work draws attention to the complexity of the twin relationship, and by highlighting these unknown details, I hope to create a more complete understanding of what it truly means to be a twin.

Connection: My twin and I were the most connected the moment we were born, sharing almost identical experiences, yet even then, small differences like our weight and times of birth foreshadowed the bigger ones to come.

Connection: My twin and I were the most connected the moment we were born, sharing almost identical experiences, yet even then, small differences like our weight and times of birth foreshadowed the bigger ones to come.

Separation: Even before we were born, we had already begun to separate, and though that distance grows as we experience more, we remain united by a shared origin.

Separation: Even before we were born, we had already begun to separate, and though that distance grows as we experience more, we remain united by a shared origin.

Formation: Because my twin and I were raised in almost an identical environment, we are shaped by the same factors and share a connection that goes beyond distance or change.

Formation: Because my twin and I were raised in almost an identical environment, we are shaped by the same factors and share a connection that goes beyond distance or change.

Ignition: Everyone has a spark that fuels their life, and while my twin and I grew up with the same influences and share the same spark, what we do with it will be drastically different for each of us.

Ignition: Everyone has a spark that fuels their life, and while my twin and I grew up with the same influences and share the same spark, what we do with it will be drastically different for each of us.

Distinction: Two people can only be so close before thorns begin to grow and push them apart, and though my twin and I still share the same pot, change is necessary for both of us.

Distinction: Two people can only be so close before thorns begin to grow and push them apart, and though my twin and I still share the same pot, change is necessary for both of us.

Graduation: As my twin and I graduate, we continue to grow different, but like overlapping rings in a Venn diagram, our connection will always hold us together.

Graduation: As my twin and I graduate, we continue to grow different, but like overlapping rings in a Venn diagram, our connection will always hold us together.

Variation: As life goes on, shifting environments change the light and shadows cast on us, but our structure and connection remain the same.

Variation: As life goes on, shifting environments change the light and shadows cast on us, but our structure and connection remain the same.

Individualization: Though our patterns appear the same, the colors and tones differ, revealing that what looks identical on the surface hides many differences.

Individualization: Though our patterns appear the same, the colors and tones differ, revealing that what looks identical on the surface hides many differences.

Disconnection: Just as we began to separate the moment we were born, our connection fades as we go our separate ways, yet we remain tied by a common origin.

Disconnection: Just as we began to separate the moment we were born, our connection fades as we go our separate ways, yet we remain tied by a common origin.

Transformation: All these stages together shape the complex relationship between my twin and me, transforming us into something neither could become alone.

Transformation: All these stages together shape the complex relationship between my twin and me, transforming us into something neither could become alone.