Artist Statement
Art has always been at the center of my world. I fell in love with painting when I found I could create a narrative that words struggle to tell. Paint allows me to manipulate light and shadow in a way that blends the colors into a world of my own. Utilizing a deep contrast to evoke emotions such as sorrow, depression, anxiety, and other solemn topics that are challenging to articulate. I use self-portraiture in my pieces as it enables me to see myself in a way I can’t from simply looking in the mirror. I see myself reflected in the eyes of another who bears the same expression. A comfort causing the weight of isolation to lessen.
My pieces often deal with these elements of mental health. Feelings of self-doubt, contempt, despair, and self-loathing are layered in my work. I implement cool color schemes to reinforce the melancholic atmosphere they occupy.
My intention is to encourage a conversation around these invisible wounds. With this body of work, I offer a place for people to sit with difficult emotions without becoming overwhelmed. In the end, the works hold a shared space for reflection, vulnerability, and healing.