One piece, unframed.

25 x 30 inch (h x w)
Digital Art on Paper

Artist Statement:

In this past year I’ve moved twice. I felt like I was losing the walls that would keep me stable and secure. But I took my paintings with me to hang in my room; wherever that may end up being. I stayed the night at friends houses, reminding me that no matter how bad things got I would have people who love me, and a bed to sleep in. I had my dog, which gave me the push to do well even when I had a hard time doing it for myself. I had my plants, reminding me that growth can be slow, but worth it in the end. This year stressed that home is not a collection of walls, nor an address. It’s all the little things that you find meaning and hope in. My piece is centered around these elements.

When I think about home I think about the warm feeling of belonging. I think about the closeness between people that I feel safe with and I think about the items I bring along to make me feel settled. I think about losing myself in moments where nothing significant is happening, just being. Playing games, joking over dinner, talking late into the night. It’s in these tiny intimate moments that I build my home.

This piece is a culmination of art skills that I’ve been practicing; from the portraits and hands, to the role of light. I wanted to make the room cluttered with familiar items and movement while bringing focus to the faces; the same way that when you are with loved ones you don’t quite notice your surroundings. Natural positions were also crucial to creating a cozy and relaxed feeling. I do believe that including my actual friends, with our different styles, body types, gender expressions, brought a sense of realness.

I hope that when others see my work they can see how dearly I hold these elements of my life.