I’m a contemporary realist oil painter who uses retro photos as inspiration for my work. Sometimes I use AI as a tool to create or modify images that I then use as a reference for a final painting. And yes! I agree, AI is extremely problematic (on many levels), but it also makes my inner nerd-heart sing. My undergrad was in computer information systems, and my favorite professor was working on AI way back in the late 80s. I thought he was nuts (we were still programming in COBOL for Gawd’s sake). Well, guess who’s laughing now? Him. But also, all the inter-netizens, because apparently, we’ve prioritized making funny memes over medical breakthroughs, but I suppose that’s progress for you.*

This desire to paint retro images began after my mom developed dementia. She loved looking through old photos, even when she didn’t recognize the people. This led to my fascination with memory, connection, and nostalgia. I’m happiest when I’m able to capture transient, often comical moments, that remind the viewer to share their memories and pass on their stories. (Preferably, the embarrassing ones, because if you can’t laugh at yourself, you should at least have the courtesy to let us do it for you).

I love to paint using a bold palette and heavy brushstrokes. The resulting narrative paintings are meant to encourage connection through memories (and humor) and to remind us of our shared history, and that we’re all in this together.

*Personal Note: As of April 2025, Researchers at the University of California San Diego are currently using artificial intelligence to study the causes of Alzheimer’s and have found a potential treatment. As dementia and Alzheimer’s disease have struck several members of my family, there’s just one thing I’d like to say to those scientists: Godspeed.