My work draws from the natural world and is rooted in Contemporary Symbolic Realism, where realistic imagery becomes a means of expressing personal experiences, emotions, and ideas. At its core lies a commitment to joy as a serious artistic position. Through still life, the animal kingdom, and personal narratives, I create a visual language of celebration, pleasure, and the transformation of the ordinary into something extraordinary. These are not incidental moods. They are the subject.
My paintings are deeply autobiographical without being confessional. Familiar creatures and objects take on unexpected roles, carrying layers of symbolism, personal memories, and desires. Through these compositions, I explore my belief that beauty and celebration need not be reserved for special occasions. They can be part of everyday life.
I work primarily in oil on canvas, often incorporating 23-karat gold and metal leaf. While realism gives my subjects a tangible presence, the metallic backgrounds introduce an element of constant change. They respond to light, reflect their surroundings, and subtly transform throughout the day. For me, this is more than a technical choice. It reflects the relationship between permanence and impermanence, between the painted image and the changing world around it.
I believe a painting fully comes alive in the presence of a viewer. As light shifts and reflections change, the artwork becomes part of its environment, creating a unique experience for each person standing before it.