Two New Paintings in the Animalia III Show | Abend Gallery Denver

Hello! I’m honored to be included in the Abend Gallery show Animalia III an animal themed show! Below you will find two brand new paintings that I created specifically for this show. I worked incredibly hard on each of these pieces so I really hope that you enjoy them. As of the writing of this blog post “Mutuality” has been sold but “Reflected Soul” is still available for purchase. Click the button below to view the whole show on the Abend Gallery website!

"Reflected Soul" | 16" Framed | $2000

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This piece illustrates the very special relationship that humans can have with animals. The animal kingdom is diverse and powerful and we aren’t as separate from it as much as we often think. This is made apparent when we have brief yet significant moments of connection with an animals out in their element.

When a person stumbles on the right animal it can reflect our souls back at us, revealing a new understanding of ourselves on how we relate to the world around us. These unique life forms can often bring out our best traits such as gratitude, understanding and empathy. Animals such as this starling can remind us of the strength and fragility of the natural world and the intricate patterns on its feathers serve as a reminder that all life on this earth is complex and valuable.

"Mutuality" | 11"x14" Framed | SOLD

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This piece depicts the fleeting moments of connection that we can experience with the animal kingdom. When we come across an animal such as this buck there is often an initial moment of fear that often grows into a form of mutual respect and admiration. There is no need for conflict or fear, both are simply existing in each other’s space for a brief moment while time passes slower than usual. Stumbling across such a strong and beautiful animal can be incredibly humbling in a way that makes one think of the vast world that surrounds us and how we are but one life form amongst billions.

This beautiful moment of eye contact can allow us to step outside of ourselves and appreciate the amazing and diverse life forms that surround us.

My Latest Commission!

I'm excited to share with you my latest commission! And this piece is extra meaningful because it is for my elementary/ middle school teacher who greatly influenced my passion for art at a young age. And to top it off he plans on hanging it in his classroom! It just warms my heart to think of this painting inspiring other young artists and academics to follow their passions.

 
 

This teacher encouraged me to draw, paint and create whenever I could but most of all he was a kind, respectful and empathetic person for me to look up to during my formative years. I was really excited when he contacted me about this commission especially when he mentioned the the bee imagery serving as the representation of the natural world. Bees are such an important part of our ecosystem that we often take for granted. So the image of gracious hands that appreciate and respect the natural just seemed like a perfect theme to explore.

I feel so honored to have had the opportunity to make this painting for a teacher and school that did so much for me growing up. And I love imaging this painting hanging in one of the small Waldorf classrooms in Maui inspiring young students who are trying to find their way in this world.

Here is the full description for the painting: In this painting we see humans and nature in complete harmony. We have done the work to understand our role in this world and now seek to preserve the important balance of nature. We now understand that every tiny insect and microscopic creature plays a part in our world and though we as humans are capable of many incredible things this does not diminish the significance of any other life on this planet. When we choose to coexist with and not dominate the natural world we find that it provides so much more than we ever thought. And we can have room in our hearts to give back to the planet that has given us everything we could have every wanted.

Brand New Terra Human Painting | "Interconnection"

My final brand new painting for the "Contemporary Figuration" show at Abend Gallery is here! Say hello to "Interconnection" This lovely original painting is available on Abend's website. Click the button below to view this piece on the Abend webstite.

Here is the painting description: The world contained within this painting shows us blending seamlessly with the environments that we love. Every memory, emotion and thought that is contained within us is interwoven with those of the earth to create a single beauty. The immense highs and lows in our lives directly mimic the mountains and valleys in a way that shows the earth understands us to the core. The mountains listen to our thoughts and feelings while the stars comprehend our dreams and aspirations. The trees plants and animals grow and live for decades only to lose their lives and begin again in another form.
As a viewer we are allowed only a momentary glance at this world through a window so that we may contemplate our existence and what we wish to do with our time.

Newest Terra Human | "Through the Leaves"

Hi everyone, could you do me a favor? Please read my full description for this painting below. I hope that this painting can communicate with you as it has communicated with me during its creation process. Honestly I don't think I have ever put this much thought into a single painting before so I really hope that you can listen to what I have to say and process it as you view the piece.

 
 

This painting shows a trapped man. Ever since he was born into the color of his skin he has only been seen in this way. We choose see him through the leaves, broken, unfinished, and most of all unlike us. We only see him in these leaves as a way to control him rather than trying to understand him. As a society we refuse to see this person and people who look like him in a different light and recognize that all people are complex and multifaceted individuals. Like all of us this man is striving to find success and meaning in his life but he lives in a world that feels the need to put him into a specific box. Even though he is a kind, sensitive and compassionate individual his intent is assumed to be malicious and selfish and so everyday he feels the need be extra accommodating to those who are threatened by him. As he looks out through the leaves he finds a world that is fearful of him and ready to challenge his every move due to the color of his skin rather than the content of his character. He sees a world that is ripe with opportunity for others but these opportunities have conditions and requirements that shut him out.

This man is looking us straight in the eyes and asking us to be better. He is asking to be set free from these leaves so that he can live a life untethered from where we put him.

 
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My First Podcast Interview!

My first podcast interview! I'm so happy to have been interviewed by the kind and insightful Christopher Syyap in his podcast the Creative Brick Road! Give it a listen if you have time! You can find it on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher and Youtube!

 
 

Here are the links for Youtube and Spotify!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEHVljpwElI&t=1s

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YpjIRtdJvXIPsGpw48WTF...

I'm so appreciative to have had this platform to talk about my artistic journey thus far and what I am looking forward to in the future!