ARTIST STATEMENT
ABOUT ME
The overarching motivation behind my artwork is to investigate the deep-rooted confessional self, and how I can present my untailored thoughts in such ways that aim to convey the complexities of being human and the intimate relationship between thought and expression. Through painting objects, symbols and the human body with a painterly collage approach, my work focuses on a variety of matter and experience from memory that relies on an exploration of the personal contemplations and feelings associated within particular passages of time.
The work varies in format, but my process always begins with language. Whether I write a question to myself on paper and keep it as reference, or whether it is applied directly onto my surface, I use language to focus my intentions and connect with what is intended to be expressed. This writing is a meditative practice that assists in the production of an abundance of relevant personal imagery that is composed and organized into an interpretive portrait. Utilizing and exploring materials and media from oil paint to photography to sculpture, I can explore my motivations and intentions in a format that speaks best.
John Dewey said that “Art is the most effective mode of communication that exists”, which has often inspired me to focus on the exploration of how I navigate the world and make sense of it. I am also inspired by the processes and intentions of artists such as Phillip Guston, Michael Craig-Martin and Yayoi Kusama who use their work as outlets to explore themselves and their view of the world around them.
There is an aspect of social commentary in my work and inspirations, reflecting my views on politics, social justice movements and cultural aspects such as the pervasive natures of comparison culture and social media. Such issues directly impact our lives, shape identity and experience- they are key to the aims behind my work. My take on such discussions stems from personal experience and beliefs, engaging with the conversations that shape our communities and world.
For me, the link between the artist and the art is an important context for the work that cannot be ignored. The artist translates their inspiration, their thoughts and feelings through their creative practice which invariably articulates identity. In my practice, artwork is an invitation to conversation, serving as a statement from the artist but also as an open-ended question- my artwork is a group of moments relating to each other, and an opportunity to engage with my process as experience.
As I continue to develop my practice, I aim to further examine my innermost psyche and explore what it truly means to be human and how we define ourselves. I hope to work in a larger range of sizes and time scales to further develop my works, its processes and the meanings explored within them.
