artist statement

Through making, I am exploring the shifting nature of relationships, lived experiences, and identity. The core of these concepts is connection; how do I relate to others, to specific moments in time, or to particular places? Or what if I don’t? These kinds of questions are what guide me in every aspect of how I paint. I see my work as reflections, a way to try to make some sense of the world.

Growing up, I moved frequently between Minnesota and California, rarely staying in one place for long. This constant movement deeply shaped my sense of place and belonging- ongoing themes in my work. I was also diagnosed later in life with ADHD and autism, and much of what I create is shaped by the dissonance I’ve experienced in both relationships and spaces. My cultural identity adds further complexity to my practice. I am a tribal member of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians (Luiseño/Payómkawichum) from Oceanside, California, and also of Scandinavian, Irish, and Chicana descent. Storytelling is a vital thread across these heritages, and I see each piece- whether sculpted, written, painted, drawn, or beaded- as a contemporary continuation of that lineage.

My practice is deeply rooted in process, whether I’m working in oil painting, glass, beadwork, charcoal, or others. Across media, I work in layers- masking, building, and re-entering surfaces using brushes, squeegees, palette knives, or my hands. A sense of movement runs through the work, reflecting the shifting emotional and spatial conditions I’m constantly navigating. The result is a sense of movement, of ever-changing conditions that evolve over time. My experience with synesthesia strongly informs my visual language; I don’t just hear sound, I see it. The way music, voices, and even places themselves sound directly impacts the textures and forms in my work.

Looking ahead, I am embracing the expansive possibilities that a multidisciplinary practice offers. My work is an ongoing dialogue between material and meaning, intuition and intention. I am committed to creating pieces that not only resonate visually but also evoke a sense of shared experience and understanding. As I continue to evolve artistically, I look forward to engaging with new ideas, collaborations, and audiences, confident in the knowledge that my art will continue to grow and adapt alongside me as I explore connection, identity, and transformation.