Artist Statement
I’m a contemporary realist oil painter who uses retro photos as inspiration for my work. With a bold palette and thick brushstrokes, the resulting narrative paintings are meant to encourage connection through shared memories (and humor) and to remind us that we’re all in this together.
This desire to paint from vintage photos began after my mom developed dementia. She loved looking through old albums, even when she didn’t recognize the people. This led to my fascination with memory, connection, and nostalgia. Dementia is such a heavy topic, 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. And so much the better if it leads to a laugh.
This desire to paint from vintage photos began after my mom developed dementia. She loved looking through old albums, even when she didn’t recognize the people. This led to my fascination with memory, connection, and nostalgia. Dementia is such a heavy topic, 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. And so much the better if it leads to a laugh.