Statement
I paint with ferocity. Gestural, hard-hitting brushwork, a bold but sophisticated palette, salvaged materials, and confrontational imagery create an inviting but vivaciously punk space. Emerging from a brush with mortality, I found myself grappling with both the fragility and resilience of existence. This experience impelled me to make connections between my body and nature.
While I attempt to index my space in life’s cycle, I explore the terrestrial world, becoming acutely aware of the intricate interplay between life and death. My survival has instilled a sense of urgency in my work, prompting me to convey the beauty and brutality of life through a visceral lens. Wildlife and human anatomy are poignant subjects in my paintings. Channeling vintage anatomy models, animal bones, antique fabrics, seashells, and flashcards, I source materials that construct personal memories and connect my past to the present. The intuitively layered elements symbolize the accumulation of experience, memory, and the echoes of those who have come before us.
Layered textures further reflect the complexity of human perception, aiming to create a sense of depth that resonates on both a visual and emotional level. The tactile surfaces beckon the viewer to experience the physicality of life and loss. My relationship to chronic illness informs my approach to color, as I seek to evoke a sense of urgency and power. Through contrasts and layers, I aim to depict the coexistence of joy and sorrow inherent in the natural world, mirroring my own feelings of survival and gratitude. The driving ideas behind my work remain dedicated to dissecting the delicate balance between existence and oblivion, striving to capture the essence of survival that transcends my personal narrative and speaks to the broader human experience.