My artwork is a reflection of the people I see. As a close observer of my surroundings, I take notice of the human experiences and interactions happening around me. Acting as a storyteller of my environment, I reference friends, family, and community members to create oil on canvas figurative paintings focusing on the organic captured moments of individuals. 

          I paint my subjects in fields of color with minimal to no elements of the background; bringing focus to the people. The person often extends the edge of the canvas, representing a compositional choice to parallel a boisterous element to the person; going beyond the surface they are painted in.

          Serving as a continuation of those who have come before me, my art is a representation of Black figuration. Resisting political attributes or marginalization due to identity, my art focuses on the individuals and the artistic process; the snapshot. By use of multiple media, each piece is painted from reference snapshot photos quickly taken from my cell phone camera. Photographer Nan Goldin stated, “Snapshots are taken out of love, and to remember people, places, and shared times. They’re about creating a history by recording a history.” My paintings are records of the lives of the people around me; candid moments and special interactions. This archival saving of memories is a display of what we wore, what we did, and what was happening at this time in our lives. 

          Believing in the transformative power of oil paint, my paintings are not just documents of moments, but reflect on the beautiful complex nature of the human experience; giving a diaristic approach to subject matter and expressive thick brush strokes and color. These relatable figures allow the viewers to draw out personal experiences. My art serves as a promotion of peace; a vibrant celebration of life and expressing freely.