What are some influences that have shaped your work?

My artwork is shaped by immersing myself in the art world, where I learn from books, videos, and the work of other artists. Nature is a constant source of inspiration, teaching me to notice beauty and complexity in the simplest details. Time spent with children reminds me to approach creativity with curiosity and wonder. These experiences together influence my practice and motivate me to create pieces that are meaningful and transformative.

What’s something interesting about your life & background?

One interesting aspect of my life is the journey I’ve taken to embrace my identity as an artist. From a young age, I knew that creativity was my calling, and I spent countless hours teaching myself to master different mediums, with charcoal as my first love. I believe that understanding shading, tones, and values through charcoal laid the foundation for everything else I create.

Despite this passion, I chose to pursue a degree in Information Technology and spent years working in the education and IT fields. That experience instilled discipline, problem-solving skills, and a strong technical background. However, I eventually felt called back to my first love, art. Today, I’ve come full circle, fully committed to building a professional art practice that combines my early self-taught explorations with the knowledge and life experience I’ve gained along the way.