Artist Statement: 

As an abstract expressionist, my artistic practice seeks to reconcile opposing forces, achieving a state of balance. I draw inspiration from design elements influenced by African, African American, and multicultural imagery, which act as catalysts in my exploration of the visual language that defines my artistic voice. Through my creations, I respond to the tension that exists between a resonant past and a compelling present. Each artwork embodies the struggle to balance my insights with broader themes, while remaining committed to the intimate principles of painting.

 

My works celebrate life, honor family histories, and pay tribute to fellow artists. They articulate social realities within the context of contemporary society, delving into the aesthetic experience of being Black in America. By addressing current representations of Blackness, I establish a flexible framework for creative motivation, intuition, improvisation, and chance.

 

My interest in mixed media painting and drawing is profoundly shaped by the materials, surfaces, and scale I engage with. By incorporating elements such as sand, soil, and glue, I create tactile surfaces that enhance the additive and subtractive evolution of my artistic expression. The physical act of applying materials with my hands and experimenting with splattered textures on various surfaces is integral to my process, as I strive to discover how these elements can coalesce into cohesive forms.