Statement

The exploration of relationships and family bonds builds a strong foundation within my work. I enjoy both the art-making process and the narrative aspect of compiling ideas to illustrate my lived experiences. I push my boundaries and question what I hold important, actualizing these concepts in my work. Through my work, I express significant narratives from my life. I hope viewers understand my story and see parallels to their own lives. I explore my family history and culture, examining their relationship today and their roles in my upbringing. I strive to create ambiguous works that foster a connection between the audience and my art.

I am fascinated by realism and how I can manipulate my techniques to achieve it. My preferred mediums are charcoal and oil paint, which allow me to fabricate compositions that convey my ideas effectively. I enjoy how charcoal is easy to work with and is versatile in its approach whether it be wet or dry. It allows me to achieve the semi-realism that I aim to incorporate in my works. With oil paint, I am fond of the way that I can achieve what I'm looking for without the constraints of time. I enjoy how it allows me to play with a multitude of colors while also allowing me ample time to shape my compositions the way I want them to be. Additionally, I enjoy painting my work on wooden panels that I build to the specific dimensions that the composition needs. Creating wooden panels elongates my painting process, enabling me to fully enjoy presenting my artwork.

In my artistic exploration, I find sculptural work entertaining and sustainable, allowing me to experiment with materials. Sculpture removes me from the narrative process I strive for in my two-dimensional works, teaching me fundamental techniques that push my body of work. I enjoy how with sculpture I can recreate and interpret life physically. In my recent exploration, I find myself being drawn to animals and creating sculptures that use material as a part of the presentation. Whether it's working with wood, plaster, clay, wire, metal rods, or simply paper mache I find that sculpting allows me to be creative in more aspects than one. Although my paintings allow me to describe stories and illustrate life, sculptures allow me to pay attention to process and detail. The physical aspect of art currently sparks my curiosity, keeping me engaged in learning three-dimensional works. Trying new materials and ideas keeps my passion for art alive, constantly inspiring me to try new techniques.