Tell a little bit about how you first got into creating art.
I first became immersed in the world of art at the age of 11 when I enrolled in an art magnet school. This early exposure to a focused and supportive environment allowed me to build a strong foundation in various art forms, including drawing, printmaking, painting, and art history. From that point forward, I developed a deep passion for artistic expression, which led me to continue my education in art at the university level. My formal education has further enriched my understanding of technique, theory, and the evolving nature of contemporary art, allowing me to refine and expand my creative practice.
My primary source of inspiration lies in cultivating a self-reflective space that functions as a time capsule, capturing both the past and future
What artists or movements have had an impact on you?
I draw inspiration from a diverse range of artists and movements that have shaped my artistic vision. Kenyan-American artist Wangechi Mutu and South African artist Diane Viktor are among my favorite creators, as their works blend cultural narratives with powerful visual language. Additionally, I find deep resonance in the world of contemporary and conceptual art, which challenges conventional boundaries and sparks critical dialogue. One artist whose work consistently speaks to me is Kerry James Marshall. His ability to pair evocative narratives with striking visual elements, often incorporating text, is something I admire deeply. Furthermore, I am inspired by the rising talents of emerging artists such as Braxton Garneau, Sydney Cain, Shaniqua Gay, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Rajni Perera, and Lee Gihun, whose innovative approaches and fresh perspectives offer a glimpse into the future of contemporary art.
My art aims to encourage viewers to see themselves as integral parts of a larger whole, continuously evolving, transforming, and learning in the process
What is your source of inspiration?
My primary source of inspiration lies in cultivating a self-reflective space that functions as a time capsule, capturing both the past and future. Within this space, I focus on highlighting the perfection of the present moment, allowing it to serve as a point of convergence between memory, identity, and potential. Through this exploration of life in its rawest and most authentic form, I seek to inspire transparency, love, peace, and bliss. My work encourages the viewer to engage with their own humanity, observe their expansiveness, and step into the process of becoming—embracing the fluidity of existence.
What themes does your work involve?
The themes in my work are deeply introspective and symbolic, often exploring the intersections between memory, consciousness, and the cosmic unknown. Each piece is a fragment of thoughts, memories, shadows, and dreams that converge to offer moments of clarity and self-awareness. I blend mystical and spiritual elements with grounded, tangible concepts, such as references to protostars, the occult, the passage of time, and the sacred feminine. These motifs allow me to explore themes of cosmic origins, mortality, and humanity’s enduring connection to the natural world. My art aims to encourage viewers to see themselves as integral parts of a larger whole, continuously evolving, transforming, and learning in the process.
What is important to you about the visual experiences you create?
The visual experiences I create are intended to serve as a bridge between the known and the unknown, allowing viewers to contemplate life, death, and the mysteries that lie between. I work with various media—such as cut paper, drawing, printmaking, and layering—to explore themes of consciousness, the subconscious, and collective awareness. My art investigates the vast depths of the human psyche and the shared experiences that connect us all. Through my creative process, I aim to bring the unimaginable into the visible realm, expanding time, perspective, and place. In doing so, I hope to create spaces that challenge conventional thinking, foster self-reflection, and ultimately offer new pathways for transformative ways of living.
Do you work from memory, life, photographs, or from other resources? Describe your creative process.
My creative process is multifaceted and draws from a wide variety of resources. I work from direct observation, such as life drawing and still-life arrangements, as well as from memory, abstract thought, and photographs. I find that each of these sources offers something unique to the work, whether it be the emotional depth of memory or the clarity and precision of life observation. My approach is organic and ever-evolving, with each project emerging from a fluid combination of influences that guide my creative decisions. I allow room for spontaneity and intuition, ensuring that the final outcome remains true to the process, while also being open to unexpected results.
What is your favorite art accident? Did it change your perspective?
I often feel that my entire creative process is an ongoing “accident.” Much of my work is not planned, but rather develops organically as I respond to the materials, concepts, and emotions that arise during the process. I embrace the idea that accidents and unexpected outcomes are not setbacks, but rather integral parts of the work’s evolution. One memorable instance involved a layering technique that unintentionally created a textured surface I had not initially foreseen, which completely altered the direction of the piece. This accident reinforced my belief in the value of serendipity within the creative process—reminding me that sometimes the most profound discoveries occur when things don’t go according to plan.
Do you have any artistic goals for the future that you would like to share?
Looking toward the future, my artistic goals are focused on continuous growth and expansion. I aim to deepen my exploration of new mediums and techniques, allowing me to create in ways that I have not yet imagined. I also aspire to push the boundaries of my artistic practice, venturing into new realms of creativity and expression. An important goal is to allow multiple versions of myself to feel seen and validated within my work—embracing the full range of my artistic and personal identity. Through this expansion, I hope to create art that not only resonates with me, but also with others, inspiring them to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and transformation.