My artwork is a vehicle for analysis of my past and family relationships to discover how they affect me in the present. References for my work come from old family photographs that still resonate with me today. Left with only a few pictures of older relatives, the details of my family history were unclear to me. As a child I scrutinized the contents of my mom's family photo album for hours, trying to understand our past. Recognizable faces and objects in the background served to link events with memories. Drawing and painting has provided a process for me to reconnect them in a more intimate and meaningful way. I incorporate different elements such as figures, and pop culture to visually illustrate my perceptions related to the family photo.
Crazy, Scary, Spooky, Hilarious, 2024
18 x 24 in
Oil on Canvas
What and who has inspired and enabled you to become an artist?
Watching my father draw as a child ignited a deep inspiration within me, driving me to pursue art in order to match his skill level. This journey led me to discover a profound and lasting passion for artistic and creative expression. My father often shared his work with me, which was filled with detailed life studies, cartoons, video games, and comic books. His ability to seamlessly translate his observations into compelling drawings always left me in awe and has influenced my own practice.
Elnor, LaToya, Kim, 2024
12 x 12 in
Oil on Canvas
Describe your art practice and how your journey in the art world has evolved over time?
Since I began making art, my style has evolved to incorporate a more technical and conceptual approach. While my early work primarily featured stylistic and gestural figures, I later sought to infuse a sense of realism into my art. My passion for drawing and painting the human figure has always been strong, but it was during my bachelor's degree that I discovered how to use my art as a vehicle for analysis of my past and family relationships to discover how they affect me in the present.
Torch, 2024
16 x 20 in
Oil on Canvas
How do you connect to Southern California and what do you love about living in the Los Angeles region?
I have spent my entire life in Southern California, and I hold a deep affection for the culture and experiences that have shaped me. The friends and family I have here have deeply influenced both my artwork and my life choices. I’m particularly captivated by the Los Angeles region, where the ever-active art scene continually inspires me. Connecting with a diverse array of unique artists has fueled my passion, and witnessing this vibrant community thrive has been pivotal to my artistic growth.
How do you connect to Southern California and what do you love about living in the Los Angeles region?
I have spent my entire life in Southern California, and I hold a deep affection for the culture and experiences that have shaped me. The friends and family I have here have deeply influenced both my artwork and my life choices. I’m particularly captivated by the Los Angeles region, where the ever-active art scene continually inspires me. Connecting with a diverse array of unique artists has fueled my passion, and witnessing this vibrant community thrive has been pivotal to my artistic growth.