October 2024
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"Tattered Terrains." is this body of work that explores the duality of beauty and decay in nature, capturing both the allure and the scars left behind by time and human impact.
The concept for "Tattered Terrains" emerged as I noticed the subtle and not-so-subtle marks of neglect scattered throughout the Tahoe landscape. At first, it was easy to be mesmerized by the vivid colors and breathtaking views, but with time, I began to see the damage, the erosion, and the evidence of human interference. Each piece in the series is a tribute to this tension, blending abstraction with realism to reflect my emotional response to the environment. The 10"x14" and 3"x5" paintings are filled with tears, rips, and worn textures, mirroring how nature’s ecosystem can be both resilient and fragile.
These works are inspired by Polaroid photos I’ve taken during my time exploring Tahoe’s wilderness. The torn and distressed edges of the paintings represent memories slowly fading, while the colors and patterns draw from the euphoria I feel when immersed in nature. By using a mix of vibrant and muted tones, I aim to create a visual narrative that speaks to the contrast between awe and neglect—between the moments we cherish and the parts we overlook. "Tattered Terrains" is my attempt to capture the complexity of nature’s story, one that is beautiful but also marked by wounds that often go unnoticed.
August 2024
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"Sierra Vista" is the 5’ x 8’ painting central to my project, "Eco Enigma," and captures the tension between the real and the surreal in nature. Inspired by the vibrant ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada, "Sierra Vista" is a celebration of the region’s breathtaking beauty but with a twist.
The painting brings together an unnatural combination of foliage, all blooming simultaneously, creating a scene that feels both familiar and fantastical. Blacklight elements are woven into the piece, making parts of it glow and come alive. The goal was to evoke the awe and wonder I feel when surrounded by the wild, while also highlighting the delicate balance that nature maintains. By using glowing effects and vivid colors, I wanted to create a visual experience that draws people in, making them feel the magic and urgency of preserving these landscapes.
August 2023
May 2022 marked a transformative moment as I moved from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe, an environment that reshaped my artistic vision and inspired my mid-way show, "Human/Nature".
"Human/Nature." reflects the constant struggle for attention between the serene beauty of nature and the overwhelming distractions of our modern world. Being surrounded by Tahoe’s landscapes, I felt both awe and frustration. Nature’s tranquility was continually interrupted by neon signs, digital ads, and endless scrolling on screens. To channel that feeling, I began capturing my moments in the wild with a digital camera, being present in nature. I then manipulated the photos with vivid, eye-catching edits, much like we do for social media, but instead of posting them, I transformed them into paintings. Using vibrant colors and abstract forms, my grid work mimics digital screens but invites people into an immersive, physical experience pulling them back to the very nature I fell in love with, as if the forest itself is posting its own striking images to reclaim our attention.
