Artist Statement

Working primarily in oil, my paintings are influenced by cubism and observational painting.  Much of my work investigates the relationships between subject and setting. I'm drawn to the  awkward tangents and directional lines that happen where objects or light collide, embracing the  visual friction that happens when form resists resolution. I aim to create images that push for  interest while also settling into an unnatural comfort. I see everyday moments as opportunities  for deeper inquiry into where symbolism and the familiar intersect.  

I emphasize perceived color, pushing saturation and vibrancy to evoke emotional responses and  guide perception. My use of color isn’t set by realism, but it serves to accentuate those implied  directional lines that emerge within my compositions. The colors I choose are inspired by the  shifting palette of different times of day, the nuances of shadow, or the emotional weight tied to a  specific painting’s subject matter. Through this intentional manipulation I aim to stir feeling and  deepen my connection to the work. 

I am an artist whose work is rooted in personal history, colloquialisms, and lived experience. The  Nature v. Nurture expression is often on my mind while painting or creatively exploring. I am  convinced that your environment molds you, but there are some things you cannot fight against.  Using this thought process, I explore the tension and harmony between identity and place,  searching for the parallels between my queer identity and the beauties/complexities of growing  up in North Mississippi.