Artist Statement

Art, in all of its forms, is a special tool that can be used to convey something more than words. I believe that art is what makes us human. The creation and appreciation of this media is a sacred experience. My paintings are reflections of my feelings during the moment of creation. Whether I realize it or not, when I am creating art, my brushstrokes are influenced by my subconscious. 

Through the use of watercolor, I create artwork that reflects untraditional subject matters. With my paintings, I seek to capture the complexity in the mundanities of life: some trash on the floor, graffiti on the wall, or even abandoned buildings can all be seen in a different light. Who left that trash on the floor? Did some rebellious teenagers graffiti that wall? Has someone once called this abandoned building a home? I feel as though everything can be poetic, if you think about it hard enough. I draw inspiration from everyday life. Simply walking down the street, I am endlessly taking mental photos of objects that pop out to me. 

When I am creating my art, I approach things strategically. As opposed to just jumping into a painting, I prefer to spend time planning everything out beforehand. I will always begin with an accurate sketch of what I will be painting. With watercolor, this is especially important because there will be no backtracking any mistakes I make. The translucency of the paint leaves little room for slip-ups. With an accurate plan, I am able to dive into a painting with confidence. I suppose this is what draws me to watercolor. I am fond of the permanence and precision this medium requires. I have always loved a challenge.

I hope that my paintings can encourage people to take a second look at something they’d usually ignore. There is beauty in the ordinary. My art deeply reflects my love of the rather ‘boring’ objects that make up this unbelievably vast world. I advocate that there is a story waiting to be captured in every little nook and cranny.