The intimacy and beauty of the women come to life through the focus on their expressions. My work represents the women I have known and have yet to know by giving them a space to be shown stoically. These works show young and aging sisters, mothers, teachers, and friends who encompass the essence of womanhood every day.
As I've grown older, I developed a deep appreciation for the people surrounding me and influencing my life. From my mother, who has continuously encouraged me to pursue the arts, some of my closest friends, and new people I have yet to know. Some are teachers and new mothers, and some have gone through breast cancer. As I paint each figure, I am overcome with admiration and gratitude, learning more about their journey with each brushstroke I paint.
Empowerment and identity are integral to my examination of womanhood. As I paint, I aim to celebrate not only the individuality of each woman but also the shared strength that connects them. Through my art, I seek to understand and honor their identities, recognizing that every figure I paint has a unique story that shapes who they are. I need to authentically capture their strength, rawness, beauty, and complexity because I want to know the women I paint, give voice to their experiences, and bring their stories to life on the canvas.
The use of vibrant colors like red as the background envelops the women in a color that symbolizes passion and strength. In my process, I focus on the likeness of the portrait capturing each detail of the person I paint. Large canvases create a life-size feeling as if you are staring directly into the person's eyes. In my work “Kaitlynn” she stares directly at the viewer while she is holding her pregnant stomach. She is stoic and strong, she’s about to embark on a new journey but with power. The color red can symbolize many things, power, strength, womanhood, and courage which is how I represent each woman.
My influences include artists such as Ann Gale and Jenny Saville, who tap into the rawness of the human form specifically women’s bodies. They celebrate individuality and reject perfectionism, depicting them as their authentic selves. Both artists changed the way we view the female body and motivated me as an artist to do the same.
Through my work, I hope to honor the women who have shaped me into who I am today and to search for those who inspire others. I am also driven to paint people I do not know, seeking representation and visibility for all women. By depicting their stories and experiences, I aim to capture the essence of womanhood in its diverse forms, offering a broader perspective on what it means to be a woman. This exploration allows me to give voice to those who may not always be seen or heard, portraying the shared strength and individuality that connect all women.
As I've grown older, I developed a deep appreciation for the people surrounding me and influencing my life. From my mother, who has continuously encouraged me to pursue the arts, some of my closest friends, and new people I have yet to know. Some are teachers and new mothers, and some have gone through breast cancer. As I paint each figure, I am overcome with admiration and gratitude, learning more about their journey with each brushstroke I paint.
Empowerment and identity are integral to my examination of womanhood. As I paint, I aim to celebrate not only the individuality of each woman but also the shared strength that connects them. Through my art, I seek to understand and honor their identities, recognizing that every figure I paint has a unique story that shapes who they are. I need to authentically capture their strength, rawness, beauty, and complexity because I want to know the women I paint, give voice to their experiences, and bring their stories to life on the canvas.
The use of vibrant colors like red as the background envelops the women in a color that symbolizes passion and strength. In my process, I focus on the likeness of the portrait capturing each detail of the person I paint. Large canvases create a life-size feeling as if you are staring directly into the person's eyes. In my work “Kaitlynn” she stares directly at the viewer while she is holding her pregnant stomach. She is stoic and strong, she’s about to embark on a new journey but with power. The color red can symbolize many things, power, strength, womanhood, and courage which is how I represent each woman.
My influences include artists such as Ann Gale and Jenny Saville, who tap into the rawness of the human form specifically women’s bodies. They celebrate individuality and reject perfectionism, depicting them as their authentic selves. Both artists changed the way we view the female body and motivated me as an artist to do the same.
Through my work, I hope to honor the women who have shaped me into who I am today and to search for those who inspire others. I am also driven to paint people I do not know, seeking representation and visibility for all women. By depicting their stories and experiences, I aim to capture the essence of womanhood in its diverse forms, offering a broader perspective on what it means to be a woman. This exploration allows me to give voice to those who may not always be seen or heard, portraying the shared strength and individuality that connect all women.