My painting works focus on representations of the figure, delving into the psychological aspects of being aware of oneself, like a form of introspection. To be made aware of one's own grief, fear, suffering, and tangible existence. The imagery used are sourced from my own form, based on drawings done with the positioning of mirrors, so that I may see the aspects of myself that I wouldn't normally see (such as the back of my head). Lately, I've been messing around with techniques of implied transparency, touching on my relationship to my faith and concepts of grace.
My Reflections series, which also articulates the feminine relation to self, utilizes imagery taken from reflective surfaces that exist within a domestic environment. These drawings speak of the feminine trait of self-voyeurism, to be aware of oneself even in solitude. These works are done in pastel on oil and acrylic bases, topped off with oil paints to communicate opaque light shapes.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself?
Be prepared for change. Unfortunately, you'll have to get used to a lot of it, but in the end you'll be glad for the places you ended up because of it.
What's your favorite A+D memory?
Giving a presentation about "Feminine Rage" tiktoks in a contemporary art history class, simply because I could.
What was your favorite A+D class?
Printmaking.
What moment, project, and/or critique in your Art + Design career at AU has been pivotal to who you are as an artist or creator?
Although Professor Kaniaris is greatly and dearly missed, having a different Painting instructor my senior year proved to be really beneficial to rounding out my practice a little bit. I'm very grateful to Professor Marks for challenging and encouraging me into newer directions.
What's next for you?
I have applied for a few grad schools and would like to obtain an MFA in order to teach at the college level. We'll see what happens next!
How do you hope your work makes an impact?
People often describe me as "self-confident", I want them to see otherwise in my work. If we cannot have intimacy and honesty, we cannot know anyone.