artist statement

I enjoy working in many different forms of media, familiar with acrylic paint, watercolor, oil pastels, markers, and collage. Through my experimenting in these mediums on various scales, my art becomes an unfiltered expression of my perspective, a skewed and organic way of synthesizing the world around me and conveying my voice.  

Inspired by my favorite artists, like Alice Neel, David Hockney, and Paula Rego, I embrace the opportunity found in layering paint to both create and invoke a sense of curiosity, joy, and energy in the observer. Fascinated by human relationships, the unpredictable beauty of interaction, and the connections I observe inside and outside of the studio, I often feature portraits in my work - an exploration of complex identity. 

I return to faces - unknown to me, yet painted year after year as my style changes, their presence remains constant. I revel in the freedom that comes with painting unfamiliar faces. In uncovering their seemingly chaotic relationship to one another, I can discover a pattern while both creating and witnessing their journey. Their depiction - taking on many styles, colors, and sizes - frames the ideas and emotions I feel during that moment in time. 

Art is my escape from the external pressures that chip away at individuality, and a way for me to reach self-satisfaction, expression in the purest form. My paintbrush is an extension of my mind: revealing that which I am most drawn to in this world: humanity, relationships, and stories.