Artist Statement

I make large-scale paintings which are often figurative and intuitive, inspired by my own personal journey of self-discovery. I recreate them on canvas in their own realm, sometimes staring out at the viewer and other times gazing softly into an undefined space. The figures appear alone or in groups and are surrounded by expansive planes of bright color, abstract imagery, and heavy gestural marks. Themes of connection, vulnerability, personal history, self-expression, movement, and color surface in my work. In ways, these figures and their surroundings are rooted in both reality and imagination. The elements of my compositions merge together to form a space that resembles our inner world but remains slightly elusive. I often think about why we as humans navigate our relationships and surroundings the way we do, what makes us grow or what makes us improve our immediate surroundings. Humans are fascinating, beautiful, wise, and frustrating; I explore these intriguing moments we have in our inner world through my visual language. I channel both the positive and negative aspects of self-discovery in my paintings. I hope to raise awareness about the complexities of personal growth and ultimately empower others to embrace their own individuality and pursue a deeper relationship and understanding with themselves in order to better the world around us.