Artist statement

My art practice is an intellectual and emotional exploration of themes that intrigue me. More process- than product-oriented, I’m interested in the therapeutic value of art on individual and social levels. Creating and viewing art adds deep layers of richness and meaning to our lives, and can help us discover our own answers to important questions.

My work borders on, and sometimes is, confessional. I believe all art is self-portraiture and my pieces often include explicit self-portraits, be they representational or abstract. This is part of my larger exploration of girl/womanhood and femininity, the most consistent subject throughout my oeuvre. I also explore spiritual themes through my work, as well as social and environmental issues, albeit in personal ways.

I usually work in mixed media, often using reclaimed materials. Although I’ve received classical training, my style is better described as abstract, surrealistic, and cartoonish. My goal is always to explore and express ideas, never to demonstrate technical ability. I draw from a vast and varied source of influences and I’m interested in blurring the lines between high and low art.

Pleasure is my overarching aesthetic value. I largely aim to achieve this through color, texture, composition, as well as narrative and humor. Including tension and discomfort prevents my art from becoming too easy or uncomplicated. As in art as in life, I always strive to be as honest as possible, but never at the expense of hurting others.