Welcome to my world of 3Dimensional Figurative Oil Paintings featuring real dried ferns, found objects, and tiny mummified specimens ensconced in layers of clear acrylic resin. I use these intricate shadow-box scenes to highlight the natural beauty of culturally diverse models from all over the world.
Using everyday people as my art models has become an important part of my artistic practice for a number of reasons. Most importantly because I think in this world of unrealistic traditional beauty standards, racism, colorism, body shaming and the like, we as artists should be highlighting the natural beauty all around us, rather than reinforcing outdated, noninclusive, idealistic faces and figures.
I truly find the features and expressions of regular people to be more interesting, have more depth, and tell more stories than generic, manufactured, “aesthetically beautiful” faces of made-up characters. I find that there is so much more personality coming out of my artwork when my subjects are, in fact, real persons.
Another wonderful aspect of discovering and appreciating everyday beauty is that I now have no shortage of models. Friends are elated to pose for me, and I almost always get the most wonderful thank you notes after completing a painting of a friend, usually saying something like, ‘I’ve never felt so beautiful! I’m so honored/humbled/thrilled to be featured in a work of art!’ which honestly brings me more joy than words can say. I genuinely love showing people how truly special and magical they are just as themselves.
I believe that the message of inclusion and body positivity for all the unique men and women of this modern world is an important stepping stone for self-acceptance and love, which is the message I hope viewers of my paintings will choose to take home. From many interactions I’ve experienced over the years, I’ve noticed that once a self-love is achieved it spirals outward forming into social acceptance and a universal love which radiates from such empowered folks into an ever expanding cycle of each of us bringing up the other. Simply put, loved people are loving.
My works celebrate the natural and perfect imperfectness of all of us in hopes to be a catalyst for a world which exchanges love exponentially.
6.20.2021