I use artistic storytelling to create a safe framework for analyzing ranges of emotions. I record memories and invent entirely new worlds while maintaining a mood of comfort and nostalgia. My art is an act of escapism, providing glimpses of varied perspectives, windows, and stories. To achieve this, my style leans fantastical, whimsical, and illustrative, drawing on the influences of picture books and children’s illustrators. I am inspired by and utilize a wide variety of 2-D materials to create balance and dimension that cannot be achieved with just one material. The language of mixed media helps me translate emotions into physical objects, which is enhanced by working with bright colors and specific color schemes. 

 

Each piece is intended to tell a story, even if no traditional characters are present. Throughout these stories I explore real and imagined landscapes, making symbolic use of motifs such as trees, branches, and leaves. Furthermore, I touch on themes of childhood, reflection, and imagination to provide a moment of respite in an often challenging world. However, while my work is never threatening, nostalgia is not always a happy emotion, so I focus on emphasizing safety while acknowledging discomfort.