The concept for my current paintings focus on themes of innocence, loss, disillusionment, progressing towards the theme of restoration. Visually, I play with the interaction between the representational, particularly parts of the human form, and the abstract within a painting. These paintings are 19 x 24in, and my process is oil painting on gessoed paper, with expressive, study-like brushwork.
My drawings focus on story telling through found objects from a surrealist perspective. I use what I call "artifacts" in my work, ranging from found objects to physical photographs. To achieve complex compositions, I position physical objects, then zoom in to draw particular aspects. The "Surrealist Hand Series" is on stiff Bristol paper and cut into four 6x6in squares. I incorporated cut out images of my own hands and placed them strategically amid my objects.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself?
Don't worry so much, it doesn't help. Remember why you are here, to make art; so make art.
What's your favorite A+D memory?
Getting away with bringing a pillow, sheet, and headphones to class to dress up as Marina Abramovic's piece "Sleeping Exercise."
What was your favorite A+D class?
Woman in Art History and Advanced Painting.
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?
In Advanced Painting when I received positive feedback on my study versus my final piece. This impacted my style and mindset in how I approach painting.
What's next for you?
I plan to work in the mountains at a coffeeshop, start apply to jobs related to my field, and begin working towards my goal to become an art therapist.
How do you hope your work makes an impact?
I hope my work connects to the individual, that the visuals I have created and the emotions I have worked to communicate gives the viewer both curiosity of the world and the knowledge that they are not alone.