Artist Statement

My artwork encompasses a fine balance between integrating layers of precisely calculated placement of colour schemes, shapes, and mediums with spontaneous techniques that arise in the process. I aim to emulate abstract ideas through symbolism, surrounding nature, psychology, society, spirituality, philosophy, mental health, and the cosmos through contemporary and mixed media layering techniques.

My creative process entails tapping into my intuitive self, with no real destination or plan around how the piece will turn out. In essence, I am building layers of composition through an unplanned but calculated creative process where each new additional layer is dependent on the outcomes of the one prior to it; similar to the butterfly effect. The majority of my work is a representation of my inner dialogue, articulated as a visual story. The completion process of my works is similar to solving a puzzle; aiming to create harmony between calculated geometric symmetry and raw emotional release through abstraction. I primarily work with acrylic, oil pastel, spray paint, and watercolour on canvas.

Much of my works entail compositions encompassing forms of geometric shapes, floating lines, and vibrant colour as seen in the works of Russian painters and art theorists Wassily Kandinsky and Kasimir Malevich, along with circles emulating planets and existence in the universe as depicted by Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama.

Breathwork is a technique that is crucial to the creative process of my paintings as it influences the mental, emotional and physical state of my being in the present moment. Researchers have suggested a link between mindfulness meditation and increased creativity. Specifically, meditation seems to promote improved divergent thinking (Colzato et al., 2012). Dobbins and Jaime (2014) found that engaging in divergent thinking tasks helped increase effectiveness of art and writing therapy. My project called “Meditation” depicts this mindfulness breathwork technique in action.  

Art is a strong contender of how we share our thoughts and ideas. It holds the opportunity to influence thoughts, allowing new ideas to emerge. I feel art is a powerful tool that can manifest change on both an individual and societal level. I believe art imitates life and life imitates art. Just one new idea can change a persons’ perception, inspiring me to continue to create.