Artist Statement

Money Isn’t Everything represents a counter-narrative that my late father and grandfather taught me while growing up. Through a drawer filled with objects (everything except money), I explored the idea that success is not defined by wealth or by how many expensive items someone owns.

The drawer is constructed from cardboard and glue, challenging conventional ideas of what an artist book can be. Inside, the wallet contains personal items that reflect identity and memory rather than financial value. The checkbook remains blank, with no checks that could be cashed, emphasizing the absence of monetary worth. Two receipts are included that contradict one another: one lists items often associated with being perceived as “successful,” while the other reflects what truly matters in life—things that cannot be purchased. Together, these elements suggest that success is subjective and defined differently by each individual.

Growing up, my family experienced financial struggles, often living with very limited resources. Despite this, I understood success through everyday achievements, whether completing my homework for the week or doing well in bowling. Neither my father nor my grandfather had much money, yet they lived meaningful and fulfilling lives. They were loved, surrounded by people who cared for them, and are deeply missed. Money Isn’t Everything reflects the values I was raised with and continue to carry. It also pushes against the hyper-consumerist ideals that are often promoted in contemporary culture, encouraging viewers to reconsider how success and value are defined.