Ruth is an alias for one of the first models I ever drew. She was an older woman, but she truly captivated me. It may have been her gentle fragility, or big laugh that filled the room, but something triggered a childlike impulse to name her. My hesitation to use stark contrast or dark lines conveys the fact that I viewed Ruth in a very soft lighting, looking back, I still do. ...
Cosmic Forces
“Cosmic Forces” was born from an in class assignment to paint my shoes. Rather than leave a flat white background, I decided to let my inner child take over the rest. Focusing less on the technical aspect of painting, and more on my illustrative desire to create a fantasy world, I began randomly. I splashed clusters of asteroids, planets, and rocket ships wherever I saw fit. The result was an incredible combination of my modern, technical art skills, and my childlike desire to play and have fun with the paint. ...
My Pink
“My Pink” is a painting of myself as a child, 8 years old, playing soccer on an all-boys team. As a young child, I was under the impression that pink was too girly, princesses were stupid, and I did not want to be associated with either. I was what most parents would call a tomboy. Recently, I have rediscovered my love for pink, princesses, and all things feminism. This painting is an attempt to reclaim my femininity and experiences. I only wish I could tell that young girl know to let her pink shine. ...
Evolution of Style
“Evolution of Style” depicts the ornate pieces of childhood which we carry with us as adults. The bottom ring is plastic, gaudy, and childlike, but it draws me in. The top ring is an heirloom, passed down to me by my mother. Both pieces of jewelry are intricate, colorful, and authentically me. ...
Her Hands
“Her Hands” is a reflection on how we view ourselves. Many people seem to forget that the same young, sensitive child they once were still exists. When I look at my own hands, adorned with friendship bracelets, flowers tattooed on my arm, I think of that young girl. I'm frequently reminded to treat myself with kindness, after all, I am still her and she is me. ...
The Cycle
“The Cycle” examines how children manage to move through abuse, and grief. As a child, I witnessed firsthand how addiction and abuse affected my closest friends. Present day, they are some of the most empathetic, kind humans I know. “The Cycle” is something which must be broken, only by remembering our fragility in those childhood moments and refusing to continue actions of abuse can it be done....
Comfort
“Comfort” is a depiction of my most dear childhood item, Grizzly. I received Grizzly from my mother as a consolation for having to move to the United States, and he has come with me everywhere. Hence, Grizzly is the only part of this painting drawn from reality/still life. All other aspects of the background come from patches of childhood memories and imagination. Grizzly remains a steadfast rock of comfort, in an unsure sea of change. ...
