In my artistic practice, I strive to capture the perfect moment. 

A beautiful moment of simple, exquisite delight; naive bliss... A quick dream. The freeness, fleetingness and poetry that surround these moments are what make them beautiful. True beauty is hidden in life under crevasses, behind the gaze of a pair of curious eyes, in between the invisible stars of a night sky- and they remain there shining even when we aren’t looking. This metaphor holds value in our society today that is ever-preoccupied with how to be noticed and how to create the illusion of a life filled with great moments and purpose. However, the moments that I choose to paint are “perfect moments” because of an inner peace that was felt at the time. They would be meaningless without an inner sense of contentment. For example, the beautiful backdrop of Italy’s iconic “instagram-worthy” coastline would be empty without the bit of light that kept me warm inside. Many times in my work, the figure is portrayed with eyes closed or looking away- She is unaware of the viewer and to what extent they see her because it is no matter: she has peace inside. And in a world that creates ever-changing standards of beauty that make many people feel discouraged, uninspired, and discontent with their own bodies and lives, I truly believe that it is endlessly important to focus on the beauty that all around us and in us already, quietly pleading to be noticed, gently wishing to add to our clouded eyes a little extra spark.

I paint moments from my own photos, which often include myself, so that I will never forget them.  So much of our life is forgotten. Why shouldn’t I do everything I can to remember what I can, to fuel myself for those low times when I will forget? In this unstable world, I have come to understand how important it is to never, ever forget the way it felt when life invited me to sit in that glowy place off in the distance where the sky and sea meet. When truly appreciated, the world’s beauty inspires an endless spring of joy. 

Much of this special contentment I draw upon also comes from my foundations. In my early life as a girl, blissfully bubbled inside a safe haven, subconsciously preserving and noticing joy was my natural state. Now, this feeling I work to capture in my art also comes from my faith and my memories. In all of my paintings, I am remembering what it is like to feel grounded and stable in a moment of simple joy, and I am preserving that joy as life becomes more complicated and the world gets stranger. And with each passing day I feel more compelled to collect these moments, as I become increasingly aware that my gratitude towards their gem-like preciousness is vital to staying alive and joy filled.