Artist Statement

My connection to art is personal, rooted in childhood memories of watching my mother and grandmother's natural artistic talents. These early experiences developed my passion for creativity and a dedication to pursuing multiple techniques and mediums. Commitment to exploration and experimentation forms the foundation of my art practice, driving me to constantly seek new ways to merge mediums and connect all art forms.

My work is focused on the intersection of painting and ceramics. While most may see a ceramic piece as just a vessel, I see it as an unconventional canvas waiting to be painted. I challenge the idea that a painting must live on a canvas or panel on a wall. I seek to redefine how people connect with art by combining my artistic expression with everyday objects, where the paintings become integrated into everyday life through the functionality of ceramics. Challenging the idea that a painting must fit on a canvas on the wall, my paintings are now woven into the fabric of daily life, pushing the boundaries of what a painting's surface can be.

Much of my work begins with personal photographs and memories, which serve as starting points for color, shape, and composition. I use these photographic references as a guide to manipulate saturation, change proportions, and remove or add details, creating paintings that move beyond the original photographic subject. My art reflects my perspective and life experiences.

The most fascinating aspect of painting on ceramics is its unpredictability. Once the piece is placed in the kiln, I relinquish control over its fate. The underglazes in my paintings can change color, blur, disappear, and much more, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation. The final outcome of a piece once it enters the kiln is often unpredictable. Where artists may find discomfort in the external factors of ceramics, such as kiln temperature fluctuations, unpredictable glaze reactions, clay body behavior, and atmospheric conditions within the kiln that add the unknown, I value the process of creating the art and how each element contributes to the finished product. It mirrors the unpredictability of life itself, where certain aspects that are out of my control can shape the future.

As I continue to explore new media, one thing remains true: painting is central to my artistic practice. Whether painting on a traditional canvas or a ceramic piece, I follow a similar process before starting any painting. I meticulously step through conceptualization, surface preparation, and building layers before applying the final coat of paint. For me, art is a physical expression of how I see and process the world. It’s personal, joyful, and meant to connect with others. I hope my pieces inspire curiosity, bring beauty into daily life, and leave people in touch with their perspective of the world around them.