The artwork I presented is some I made for myself, some I created for Professional Studio Arts with Oliver Schemm and some I created for a personal Painting II tutorial I took with Phil Whitman last semester.

My work delves into the intersection of the past and the present, drawing inspiration from the Japanese aesthetic wabi-sabi. This philosophy, which celebrates imperfection, impermanence and the beauty of the aged and weathered, resonates deeply with my exploration of time, decay, and the hidden charm of the ordinary.

Through sculpture, painting, collage and graphic design, I employ color theory, and color symbolism along with unique textures to create visually arresting compositions and structures.

Decay and discarded objects, often overlooked and undervalued, hold a unique allure to me. They can evoke nostalgia, remind us of the passage of time and reveal hidden beauty. By exploring these themes, I can challenge consumer culture and create works that resonate with viewers on a deep emotional level.

By incorporating tactile surfaces, contrasting textures, and collaging illustrated and painted images, I aim to represent the ebb and flow of life through the decomposition and deterioration of both animate and inanimate things.

I seek to reveal the forgotten beauty that can be found even in the most seemingly banal or discarded objects. Through my quiet obsession with collecting and collage, I explore the interplay between the past and the present. Inspired by Surrealism and Cubism, I utilize surreal and dreamlike imagery, along with unconventional compositions, to tap into the subconscious and reveal hidden meanings.

Using my background in collage I create mixed media paintings and sculptures, building through illustration and layers of paint, joint compound, wood, metal, and various fabrics. Through the fragmentation of form, I reveal the fractured nature of the human psyche and the world around us. By challenging conventional perceptions, I aim to uncover the beauty and mystery that lies beneath the surface of reality, delving deeper into our subconscious mind.

As a financially challenged Vermonter, I have first-hand experience with the limitations of the American Dream. Our relentless pursuit of wealth and material possessions often leads to a sense of emptiness and despair.

This consumer-driven culture, fueled by the extreme masculine ideals of money, power, and control, has created a society that values external validation over internal fulfillment. The rise of crony capitalism and the widening wealth gap have further exposed the limitations of this idealized vision, highlighting the need for a more equitable and sustainable way of living.

I believe we can find greater fulfillment by living frugally, connecting with nature, and consuming less. By repurposing discarded objects and images, I aim to challenge the throwaway culture that has contributed to environmental degradation and social inequality. Just as I give voice to the forgotten objects in my art, I hope to amplify the voices of the marginalized and the overlooked and display the enduring power of the human spirit.

By highlighting the struggles of the homeless and the downtrodden, I strive to inspire empathy, compassion, and most of all, hope for our future.