Artist Statement

In a constantly changing world, one element has remained a constant in human life since the beginning of existence: art. Every ancient culture has found a way to communicate using visual symbols and documenting their lives, beliefs, struggles, and passions.

After having a life changing experience of traveling around the world with my family as a young girl, I discovered that although we have extreme differences to our lives, there are also many similarities that most people would choose not to focus on.

In the world that we live in today, we tend to focus on the things that make us different because in a populated world, our differences give us our individuality. Art is the expression of the individual. But why are we so afraid of each other’s differences? When we open our minds to allow each person and culture to thrive in their traditions we open ourselves to creating something harmonious and uniquely beautiful.

In my work I not only try to find what I have in common with other people, but also try to celebrate the differences that I find in myself and in other cultures, past and present. By using symbols from ancient civilizations and modern tribes, I have tried to create common ground from many cultures, past and present. Doing this helps the viewer find something personal with the painting, and gives them courage to allow the painting to be personal. Everyone’s perception of the world is different based on past experiences; I am simply sharing my perception of the world with you.