Artist Statement

Art isn’t something casual to me. I believe in art. It is a lifeline to humanity, and connection to others by way of clearing the pretense and constructs of our day to day and allowing us a moment to just feel and connect with ourselves. My own background of being an outsider, a “shy” kid, and past struggles with severe major depression has definitely informed my art.

For much of my time on Earth I’ve been exploring privately. I draw like others journal. But like so many, I thought my perspective wasn’t worth sharing, and in fact might cause harm with its often negative symbols & stories.

I know now through experience that an innumerable amount of people experience these same hard realities in private, in shame of these “ugly” thoughts, in horror of the darkness we all have lurking inside of us. There is so much beauty in these trials we go through, and so much to be gained by sharing.

Life can be hellishly grotesque, it can be confusing, scary and isolating, but there is a divine presence, a light that shines even the darkest corners of this world. I think its important to pay homage to these dark spaces, as their contrast is essential for light, goodness, beauty to exist. In my drawings, this natural balance is at the forefront of my thoughts.

My recent drawings are best described as emotional landscapes, meant to be experienced like dreams— symbols to be felt, intangible moments expressing themselves. I don’t plan drawings, they just come out as they are and I love the process of allowing myself to be the translator for subconscious ideas.

Black and white represents the tangible reality, balanced in its duality. I use red as an expression of the intangible– the intense life force that animates the physical. This red is passion, it’s love, it’s violence, it’s death… Everything exists in opposition, an idea I think of often.

I graduated with a degree in multimedia art, image emphasis from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA in 2013. I now live and work in Portland, OR. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my artistic journey!