The day a child loses their first tooth, to a teenager experiencing their first heartbreak, to celebrating graduation after years of grueling academic struggles, these are all important life milestones. Although everyone experiences life differently, many have relatable stories that connect them. Through my work, I use mixed media to manipulate my emotions into a visual piece, great a sense of community and belonging, and provide new experiences. In a way, as I share these stories, I’m learning more about myself and learning about others in return. By using a variety of materials, it brings out different emotions and topics. So materials can range from acrylic, oil paint, gouache, watercolor, wire, plasticine, wood, pastels, cardboard, and more. Writing and conceptualizing ideas helps to jumpstart my work. Having a story guides the tone and material of choice, and is essential to its development. Each color palette is set to the tone that I want the project to reflect. Bright and saturated paintings spark joy, peace, and energy, while dark and muted palettes bring gloom, melancholy, and reflection. Despite working in mostly 2D format, my interest has broadened to bigger 3D projects. By making 3D installments and projects, it allows viewers to step into the art piece and be a part of it. With one of my projects, a student desk with notes scrawled across it, guests were invited to sit there. Many shared how it reminded them of nights they would crunch away at assignments or how stressed they felt. Each person had a different viewpoint to share but together all have become a part of this piece as each person sat down. That’s the most enjoyable part of making art; seeing people partake, experience, and share it.
