Help A College Grad Get Back On Their Feet

Hi, my name is Precious Darling and I've just graduated from New College of Florida with a degree in Art & Humanities. During my time at college, I held various positions in student affairs, including being a TA, student success coach, and orientation leader. Unfortunately, on October 6th, 2022, I was in a car accident at the intersection between both sides of campus due to a storm that knocked out the traffic lights. The accident occurred at no fault of my own ( the vehicle that hit me was stolen and driven by two delinquents fleeing a crime scene). To purchase my car, I had to work multiple jobs, sometimes even holding six jobs at once while being a full-time student. However, the accident caused me to lose three of my jobs and a paid internship, leaving me in a difficult financial situation.

As a result of losing my jobs, I fell into a major depressive episode and had to be hospitalized for a week. Though I received outpatient treatment, it was still a difficult time. Despite these challenges, I completed my thesis and BACCed successfully. I even received the exciting opportunity to have a solo exhibition at the Art Center Sarasota next year.

Unfortunately, due to the loss of my jobs, I am now $5,000 in debt and have only $300 in savings. Due to my jobs being on campus and having graduated, I am without an income for the time being. My main concern is affording off-campus housing as I'm unable to return home to Miami and would like to stay in Sarasota, where I've built my life. Any amount would be a tremendous help, as it would allow me to save to afford off-campus housing (currently under $800/month), pay off some of my debt, and purchase art supplies for my upcoming exhibition (around $500, including buying my own camera as I don't have access to the schools anymore and sculpting supplies).

About my art:

Having been in seven group exhibitions, my art has evolved tremendously. For my senior capstone project, I explored the objectification of women through my art. I plan to continue this exploration through the use of photography and sculpture.

Artist Statement:

As a woman, I am acutely aware of the historical and societal preconceptions that have shaped the way women experience their own sexuality. Through my art, I seek to challenge these expectations and reclaim agency over my own sexual narrative. Using sculpture, videography, and installation, I explore the physical and cultural dimensions of the female body. This is done in part by juxtaposing live, naked models with inanimate objects and materials traditionally associated with femininity and sexuality, whether busts, fabric, or blow-up dolls. Through these combinations, I aim to question and subvert conventional notions of what it means to be a desirable woman. By prioritizing the female gaze in my art, I disrupt the traditional power dynamic between male artists and their female muses.