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 enjoy pushing my boundaries and questioning what I hold important by actualizing these concepts in my work. By expressing these personal narratives from my life, I strive for my viewers to understand my story and draw parallels to their own lives. I explore my family history and culture, examining their roles in my upbringing, and striving to create works that foster a connection between the audience and my art.

In my studies as an artist, I have come to appreciate the inspiration of movements such as Surrealism and Renaissance portraiture, as well as the use of image compositing to explore references for my paintings, which often originate from photographs. My preferred mediums are charcoal and oil paint because of the way they 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 easily study life forms and reinforce the portrait skills that I aim to incorporate in my works. 

With oil paint, along with avoiding time constraints, I enjoy how it allows me to play with a multitude of colors, exploring all the vibrant colors that fostered my childhood, along with my culture. Additionally, I enjoy utilizing and learning techniques like sfumato, impasto, and glazing, which are all crucial to my painting process. Creating wooden panels elongates my painting process, enabling me to enjoy presenting my artwork fully. Furthermore, the stability of the panel allows me to explore the entirety of painting, all while allowing me room to learn and continue pushing my narrative boundaries.