Personal Statement

 My paintings are a collection of things I've loved, animals I've raised, and even myself who I've learned to love. While I will always express my love for animals by using watercolor, I think it's important to capture and express my struggles as well, which I do with my oil paintings. Through my work I cover topics of self acceptance, derealization, and identity by using my personal struggles with these topics to fuel my creativity. In my piece called "Is this what its like to be known?" I explore the idea of fully being understood and accepted with a transgender identity. I used oil paint to get more texture on the lighting and to express the deeper need to be known fully.