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THECOLORG is an interdisciplinary artist based in Philadelphia, PA. Her work ranges from soft sculpture to installation and painting. Her playful plush sculpture evokes childhood nostalgia while exploring adult concepts such as identity, community, and belonging.

LIFT is an installation in the street-facing windows of our partner organization, Old City Publishing. It utilizes the symbol of the claw machine as representation of community support. The row of teddy bears rises hand-in-hand, showing how collective action helps us all. LIFT is visible 24/7 at Old City Publishing from January 14th to April 22nd, 2025.

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What inspired you to create LIFT?

"'LIFT' was inspired by my personal journey of unlearning the individualistic mindset I was raised with—the idea that success is solely about working harder and fending for oneself. As I grew, I realized that this ideology set me up for failure. My progress as an artist, and as a person, has been made possible through the support of my community, friends, mentors, and fellow artists. This installation reflects the importance of collaboration and mutual support, challenging the capitalist notion of individualism. It’s a visual representation of how we rise by lifting each other up."

What is interesting to you about claw machines?

"I've always loved the thrill of playing a claw machine—the excitement of possibly winning a prize and the feeling of control over the claw’s movement. But as I got older, I started to see the claw machine as a metaphor for the system we live in. It dangles the promise of success if we work hard enough, only to drop us just before we reach our goal, forcing us to try again. Every once in a while, someone wins. But what if those who succeed used their power to lift others up? That’s the core idea behind 'LIFT'—a visual representation of breaking the cycle of individualism."

How does your work represent community and connection?

"'LIFT' represents community and connection through its imagery of bears physically lifting one another as the claw looms above. Instead of competing for survival, they work together. This symbolizes the power of mutual support—how we thrive when we uplift one another rather than struggle alone. Success isn’t just about one person winning; it’s about those who rise using their position to help others. The installation invites viewers to reflect on the strength of collective action and the importance of fostering genuine connections in a system that often encourages isolation."

How does gender manifest itself in your work?

"Gender manifests in my work through my choice of materials and symbols. I use teddy bears not only because of my family history of teddy bear making but also because they transcend gender, generation, and culture. Teddy bears are a universal source of comfort and care, free from societal expectations of masculinity or femininity. In 'LIFT,' the bears symbolize collective support and resilience, challenging the structures that often reinforce rigid gender roles. By using a familiar, nostalgic object, I aim to create an inclusive space where connection and care take priority over division."

How were you influenced by the window space at Old City Publishing? Does your artistic process change when creating public art?

"Installing artwork in a space is my favorite part of the creative process. I love planning, arranging, and watching my vision for color and composition come to life while finding ways for the work to interact with its surroundings. When I first saw the window space at Old City Publishing, I immediately envisioned transforming it into a claw machine. Often, the space itself helps shape the direction of my work—I have sketchbooks full of ideas, and when the right space presents itself, a particular concept comes to the forefront, and I run with it."

What do you hope that viewers take away from your work?

"I hope viewers walk away from 'LIFT' reflecting on the importance of community and support. In a world that often pushes individualism and competition, I want this installation to serve as a reminder that we don’t rise alone—we rise by lifting each other up. If even one person leaves feeling inspired to support others in their own way, then the work has done its job."