Summer of 2022
Gratitude is something that’s overcome me the past three months.
Gratitude to my peers, my family, and to the many human connections I’ve made. Gratitude for the opportunity to learn more about myself as an artist and as a human being. In my experience, vulnerability has been a friend that I’ve kept close but not really shared since I was a child. It is excruciating to be vulnerable at times; to allow myself to cry, to be forthcoming about my past, and to be open to human connection. Even the people I consider to be closest to me, have never seen all of me. Trying to bring these pieces of myself into my art, has been both trying and relieving. The experiences I’ve been blessed to have the past few months have really opened me up to the possibilities.
In March, I received an email that changed all my spring break plans! I was blessed with the opportunity to go on the Gene Allcott trip to Los Angeles! Some chances only come once in a lifetime; joining in on the Gene Trippers of 2022 and seeing the amazing art scene of LA was my chance! From Lacma, the Getty, Santa Monica galleries, and more, I was submerged into the LA art scene. I got to see work from so many artists in so many new styles! From the mezmorizing works of Van Gogh and Monet to the expansive portraits by Kehinde Wiley and so many more. My art has been pulled in a lot of directions the past few years but after this trip I can finally see the pieces falling together!
After my trip, I was ready to get back to painting! With so many ideas floating around, it was great timing to be taking three studio classes! As it turned out, it wasn't just painting ideas floating around up there, but a ton of sculpture ideas as well. Focusing on my themes of humanity and nature, I created a multitude of flesh-pink works of art encompassing vulnerability, the human mind, and more. I was also required to create 50 sketches over the ten weeks of spring quarter some coming to fruition and many messy pages that will hide in that sketchbook until the end of time. But, it was great practice and inspired me to try sketching more! Hence, my little gouache and watercolor book I’ve been taking with me everywhere I go! Now I’m able to paint whenever inspiration strikes or I’m just bored in need of making a mess. I’m grateful more than ever to be at SCAD where I’m pushed to create more art good or bad because the fact that I continue making art is much better than not. I am truly looking forward to starting my senior year this fall even though it’s a bit scary.
This summer, the need to create more art has inspired me to start taking commissions! Also, I finally finished agonizing over my business cards, and got them printed! So if you’re looking for the perfect piece that encompasses humanity and nature, contact me to get a quote or choose from any of my available works in my portfolio. Stay connected with my updates on Instagram.
Stay tuned for more mess and beauty!
