ARTIST STATEMENT

In my two most recent projects, Terra Firma and the Lemonade Stand, I am operating in themes of concealment, contrast, and curiosity. The works from Terra Firma (Solid  Ground) evoke a palpable tension that arises from the interplay between visibility and anonymity and the juxtaposition between the solid earth and untenable facelessness. It invites the viewer to contemplate the act of hiding within nature, seamlessly blending into its surroundings, masking and contorting the body against the expected beauty standards into dark shadows and strange shapes. However, just as the human form can shift and evolve, the solid ground beneath our feet is ever changing. Terra Firma is an illusion of the control we want to have, but in reality do not. 

The Lemonade Stand, my current project, is a reconnection with still life practice and turning metaphorical lemons into lemonade. By returning to the practice of still life, I hope to reinforce my roots in painting and refocus on thoughtful and intentional seeing. It is a macro zoom lens on lemons, historically referenced by old masters to showcase travel, status, and discovery. Lemons are emblematic of the dichotomy between sweet and sour or joy and disappointment. Thematically consistent with how I choose to engage in expeditions and artmaking.