FoxTrots&OwlTales

The connection I have with my art is more like a good friend who sporadically comes to visit— You don’t see this person enough but you can always count on them when there isn’t anyone else around. You never want to take this friend too seriously because you know you’ll regret it; taking them for granted is a pitfall on its own. They always keep you up at night with endless ideas; yet nevertheless, manage to inspire you with stories reminiscent of your fondest memories. You don’t mind when they overstay their welcome (every time) without fail; yet suddenly you’re stuck in a rut when they disappear one day without any reason. They leave in a manner that keeps you wondering when they’ll be back again with more stories and inspirations, and always makes a point to leave you with the feeling of unfinished business lingering in the back of your head that you know you must take care of some day soon. This feeling keeps you anticipating the next time you will hear that knock at your door; it’s the same feeling they get when they finally see your progress, and how you’ve been since the last visit.

The pieces I have assembled in this portfolio are inspired by the nostalgic memories of my past. The techniques I used were formed organically through pure curiosity and experimentation. I am naturally attracted to certain colors, patterns and shapes, which I have repeated in multiple pieces of work.

I like to let the tools guide my work into creating something I am unfamiliar with or have yet to stumble upon. I try to focus less on the product and more on the process since that is where the magic happens for me. Utilizing tools for its unintended purpose is also exciting because I get to see how many ways I can use something when it’s initial purpose was only meant for “single-use”. I like to keep in mind that it isn’t necessarily “what you have” in regards to tools and materials that make art special— instead, it’s “how you use it.” Keeping the integrity of the materials and mediums I use in tact is important to me because I believe there is a certain quality that raw materials posses which helps to enhance the work I end up creating.

I have not studied or majored in art because I prefer to keep this practice as a hobby/ “dependable and loving old friend”. I personally don’t think it is neither necessary nor productive to have the pressure of creating something for the sake of getting it finished before being completely happy with it. I like to take my time, play around and see where the piece goes.

I don’t like to focus too much on what my results will be. Most of the reason I love creating things and making art is because experimenting with different materials and tools is something I find especially satisfying. I feel there is a certain thread with any type of artistry, or craft that people practice that connects each individual to one another. The fact that people are creating something out of nothing, and figuring out ways to make their project work with every day materials is quite impressive. I appreciate the people who create for their own reasons.