Artist Statement

My illustrative, whimsical, and hyper feminine work focuses on mixed media 2D illustration– utilizing a variety of materials such as watercolor, acrylic, colored pencil, ink, and digital media programs such as Photoshop or Procreate. As a whole, my artwork focuses on subjects of a wide variety of identities, ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic status. In this manner, I utilize my artwork as a means by which to reflect the diversity of my lived experiences, as well as the world which surrounds me.

Growing up, I mostly consumed art through the lens of comics. My preferred means of art consumption as an adolescent was undoubtedly “Shoujo Manga”-- female driven stories often focusing on relationships and friendships– my favorite being the infamous “Sailor Moon”. I was incredibly drawn to these comics because they focused on a wide range of real-life issues, and I found reading them cathartic as a pre-teen who was beginning to come to terms with the complexity of life. My love for art that reflects on social issues and lends itself to further critical thinking has continued well into adulthood and is manifested in both the art I consume and that which I create. Seeing the world around me reflected in artistic media as a child was validating and made me feel less alone.  Therefore, I wish to “pay it forward” by using my own work to reflect diversity, so that a 13 year old– or anyone really– might feel validated.