I am very focused on depicting a broad range of identities, particularly those that are less often represented within art and media. My art depicts figures, primarily AFAB (assigned female at birth) or fem-presenting people. 

 

I work with acrylic and gouache paint on wood panels. I often work with found and thrifted objects, and I like repurposing used materials and bringing new life to them. I often work with texture, working with layering paint so that it comes off the canvas and chunky brushstrokes. Working with acrylic paint which dries comparatively fast enables me to layer paint and add texture and dimension to my work. With the works done in gouache, I often add finer details with pencil to add dimension to the paintings. I use mainly bright colors, and I tend to use a lot of pinks and purples. I actually think my pink hair dye might be seeping into my brain because so much of what comes out of my brush is pink! My art is also very inspired by the punk movement and I enjoy finding ways to incorporate elements of punk culture within a more feminine color scheme. 

 

At the beginning of my painting career, I worked mostly with landscapes. However, I began painting queer individuals and figure-based work when I realized that I wanted my work to step out of just landscapes and become more personal to people and engage with a wider range of people. Recently, I have been bringing back some of that knowledge of backgrounds as I have begun incorporating more detailed backgrounds into my figure pieces. Incorporating new backgrounds into my paintings has given me the opportunity to expand my skill set and helped me to grow as an artist, especially as I look toward completing my BFA. This skill has also helped me to provide context for the figures portrayed and situate them within the painting and also within the broader queer world. I have also been experimenting with adding text to my paintings to add emotion and references to pop culture. 

 

I have always been interested in painting queer and AFAB individuals and learning about a range of people and identities. I often base my paintings on the people around me, and this has allowed me the space to experiment and learn about my artistic process. In the future, however, I wish to expand my subject matter by traveling and engaging with different communities all over the country and around the world. This would allow me to incorporate a broader range of identities into my artwork. 

 

My goal is to use my art to create a safe space for queer people where they can find a sense of community and belonging. As a queer person, I am invested in creating art for my community. I want people to have artists and art to look up to, and I wish to create this for future generations because I know that queer art had an impact on my life as I grew up and explored my own identity. My art situates diverse identities within a bright, hope-filled artistic space and brings people together by depicting happy and healthy queer people living fulfilling lives. I hope for my art to function as a pillar of support for the community, especially as identity-based human rights become more polarizing and political. I will continue to create art and provide a safe space for individuals through my work.