ARTIST STATEMENT

From a very young age, drawing became my first language. I vividly remember being seated in a high chair while my mother and sister tore brown paper grocery bags in half, creating blank canvases for me to explore. That early encouragement and creative freedom planted the seeds for a lifelong journey in visual storytelling.

Today, I am committed to creating paintings that not only speak to me but also resonate with others—sparking conversations across themes such as art history, American history, civil rights, popular culture, current events, technology, mythology, and music. My work is deeply inspired by the legacies of Charles White, Ernie Barnes, Pablo Picasso, Mark Rothko, and Andy Warhol, among others—artists whose bold visions and narratives continue to shape my creative path.

My process is research-driven and immersive. Each painting begins with a period of investigation, often involving visits to local libraries, reading extensively on a subject, and collecting visual references from books, magazines, microfilm, or digital photography using tools like my iPhone or iPad. These materials form the foundation of my sketches, which then evolve into paintings rendered in acrylics, mixed media, or oil, depending on the tone and intention of the piece.

At its core, my work aims to tell stories—stories that reflect my inner world and the complexities of the world around me. Through color, texture, and layered symbolism, I hope to create moments of reflection and connection—art that invites viewers into a deeper dialogue with themselves and with each other.