Artist Statement

The purpose of my work is to promote a safe space for individuals to share their stories, experiences, and support around the topics of “invisible” mental illnesses. Throughout my aesthetic, I share my personal experiences (and others) of dealing with ADHD, anxiety, and depression as a female. By getting into the roots of my cerebral introspections, I choose to contrast the oddly interpreted forms of pop art culture and tongue-in-cheek humor with the tight renderings of the monochromatic portraits of women. By expressing my own experiences, the work simultaneously resonates with a universal struggle in the mental health community.

My intentions are to bring every one of different backgrounds together to become aware of the voices that have been silenced, ignored, and systematically repressed. This has been the same case for many other individuals with similar experiences and is why I portray the small unseen moments of every day. Whether awkward or poignant, these challenges affect every person differently. By using comedic narratives, my goal is to establish empathy and to help normalize an open discussion. I use humor as an element in my work to boost a sense of connection, promote mutual understanding, and build intimate relationships based on empathy.

In my studio practice, there is constant transformation as I meditate through the complexities of the material and the human psyche from the female perspective. Every piece is a self-reflection that is ever-changing as I am mentally evaluating and maturing with it. My art practice is the anchor of my sanity and has saved me from my darkest moments. I see it as a necessity for my mental well-being to communicate buried emotions I felt compelled to neglect. My work has given me a life purpose, the strength to keep going, and painless relief. Therefore, I feel compelled to uplift others who have yet to understand their own personal struggles.