THE RITUAL OF HEALING was a solo exhibition of ceramic sculpture by Nell Hull. 

I started creating work to heal after my grandpa passed away in 2019. In life, my grandpa was an openly homophobic and transphobic man. He patriarchally shaped the views and attitudes of my family members who, in turn, highly influenced my self-image while growing up. After he, and a year later my grandma, passed, I felt acceptance. In death, I believe my grandparents are only the best parts of themselves.

My figures are not meant to dwell on transgressive pasts, but instead resemble the progressive and painful transition from generation to generation. They are meant to portray the ways queer people innately transcend the limits of our physicality and use the expression of our innermost selves to push the boundaries of societal structures.

Growing up and being told every day that I was someone I am not made me believe not only that my voice did not matter, but that I didn’t even have one. The first way I ever spoke out was through art because it was a secret and safe language. Art allowed me to tell myself who I am, a queer, nonbinary creative. In many ways, I believe my art will be the only way I will be able to communicate who I am to people who will never listen to my words.