My interest in painting is borne from my innate desire to express my emotions and make sense of them. As a non-binary, queer person with mental illness, I find it cathartic to create artwork that represents trauma, hardship, politics, and social issues. I use my paintings to relate to others and the world around me, so I often paint figurative works and self portraits. I paint in an illustrative style because I find it the best style to convey complex ideas in a simple way. I try to be as inclusive as possible in my work, so I depict subjects that are typically underrepresented in the media.
Through a colorful palette and expressive brushstrokes, I make every painting a personal statement. I also explore the idea of going beyond traditional art on canvas; I use unexpected materials and surfaces to expand the limits of painting, oftentimes coupling 2D with 3D art to create interactive pieces. Each of my pieces conveys the emotions I feel as I create them, and each painting carries a little bit of my identity with it, regardless of the subject matter. I am inspired by life, politics, social justice, and my personal struggle with my emotions.