This is the first mixed-media piece I completed that I didn’t use backing like plywood or canvas for. It was exhilarating. It made me aware that backing can often be a limitation, using a piece of a random-sized rectangle. It felt, much of the time, like being told what shape to make things. I no longer use rectangular backings unless I used them before and didn’t like what I came up with. And I consider this a re-use of material, like the cardboard items, in all my pieces. Connection, figuring out how differences can connect; and also movement, literal and political. These ideas are part of all of my work.