Tend and Befriend

BFA Senior Capstone

This series of prints centers on female friendship, drawing from the shared experiences and imagery of my own relationships. I am interested in the bonds between women that function as essential systems of care. Through imagery of figures, shared spaces, and feminine motifs, this work focuses on moments that feel intimate. Something as small as helping a friend with chores or offering to do someone’s hair are moments I cherish and wanted to explore in this body of work.

The idea of Tend and Befriend comes from a psychological concept coined by Shelley Taylor, which suggests that women often respond to stress not through “fight or flight,” but by tending to loved ones, seeking comfort, and strengthening social bonds. Learning this made me reflect on my own friendships and recognize how deeply they have shaped my sense of safety, resilience, and inspiration. This realization became the foundation for this body of work. 

The tactile process of printmaking is essential to this series. Each line carved or etched is an intentional act of labor and love. Multiples of each image are passed though the press and my hands. Each print is then editioned with a title inspired by expressions shared or giggled among my friends. 

This work honors female friendship as a powerful and sustaining form of love. While these prints are rooted in my own experiences, I encourage viewers to reflect on their own platonic connections.

Tend and Befriend

22" x 28"

Relief Print

2026

Two Person Job

8" x 12"

Intaglio Print

2026