I make paintings that move between abstraction and figuration. My approach to painting is an emotional experience rather than technical representation of reality. I strive to express the essence of my subject, translating thoughts, emotions, and sensations through color, shape, light, mark, and the materiality of the medium itself.

Nature is my source of inspiration. Flowers, especially of late, have been my greatest muse. I find them compelling because it’s impossible — impossible to represent the full richness of their existence.

I'm also interested in the history of flower symbolism. The Victorians were fond of a pastime they called Floriography, which imbued flowers with special meanings. Even earlier, Shakespeare infused his stories with flower symbolism which provided non-verbal clues. This being said, the flowers I paint are a result of materials sourced during the week that inspire me. I don’t seek flowers with meanings, rather, flowers find me. I’ve learned flowers say it best when words fail me.

I paint from life which requires me to work fast as my subjects are impermanent, be it a flower or sunset. Watercolor has been my recent medium of choice because it, too, has a working time frame — it dries quickly and can have unpredictable results. This excites me, requires me to be present and to focus my attention on the act of painting itself. This act serves as a form of mediation for me, fostering a state of flow, mindfulness, and self-expression. Through this attention, this grounding, affirming experience, I hope to give back, to depict beauty, and expand openness. I believe beauty civilizes us and brings us to a place in the heart that can inspire us, a place we can all find common humanity.