One aspect of my creative practice that I am especially grateful for is the way the vulnerability and openness required to share my art can spark equally open responses from viewers. My first solo exhibition, for example, revolved around a series of watercolor paintings titled “The Crush Series”. It was a lighthearted exploration of romance in different stages, from the honeymoon period, to heartache and longing. It was healing to claim space for tenderness without needing to anchor it in trauma.

I was so pleasantly surprised the extent to which complete strangers were willing to SPILL MAJOR TEA about their crushes to me in response to viewing the exhibition! It revealed how readily viewers recognize and mirror emotions and reminded me of the inherent interconnected-ness of the human spirit. This experience was a turning point in discovering my ability to use art to create conditions where vulnerability is safe and we can see ourselves reflected in one another.

I really love people. Even when I don’t, deep down I do. My focus on portraiture and the human figure is rooted in that love. I once found myself in an international city feeling sad about language barriers and wishing I knew every language in existence so I could connect with more people. While I’ll never know every language, I feel using art to communicate truths of our human experience is the closest thing, and for that I am so elated!