Sometimes I have a moment where I can’t believe I actually get to go to school for art. I am so thankful that my parents support my decision and desire to study art in college and graduate with a BFA (in art education of course, we must be a little sensible). As a junior in high school I thought for sure I would study science and that art would always be just a hobby. After all, art’s not a “real major” and I have no future at all. Where on earth is my good sense? ha. But here I am, a very scary three years later (scary because it doesn’t seem that long ago), and I am blessed to have the chance to do something I love at a school that I am equally in love with. And you know what? For the economy we have right now, I am not currently a bit worried or scared about my future. I am rather at peace with myself for my career aspiration(s), and really always have been. Find something you are passionate about, and the rest will work out eventually with hard work and determination.

“Women are like teabags; you never know how strong they are until they’re put in hot water.”

—Eleanor Roosevelt

(artist’s statement)

…I find myself surrounded by so many independent, strong, women. Whether older women, my peers, or younger. They all inspire me with their aspirations and dreams, their drive to succeed, their compassion. I know so many women who know what they want and go after it, while having unwavering integrity. It seems to me somehow they do it all. The women I encounter in my life are all so different, but they are connected by a special aura. They have a distinct sense of self, a strength and determination in whatever they do. They know they live in a unique time, where the world is offering them more and more choices, and they can choose any or all of them. And many of these women have seized all these opportunities and do so with grace and independence that many people desire but few seem to possess. They are genuine, and they are true.

This is what I want to paint. Yes, I believe the female form is one of the most beautiful forms in nature (from a visual aspect. Sorry boys, you are pretty, but just not as enjoyable to paint). But even more so, it’s the aura of them that is more beautiful. Each woman has her own, and that is what I want to paint. I want to paint women I know. I greatly admire those who have achieved recognition for their great work, for their accomplishments of all sorts. But to me, there are many women who live amongst us, that do amazing things everyday, and they are whom I want to paint. I paint for myself, so it only makes sense that the subject matter mean something to me, be people who are part of who I am and my life. I want to express that individuality and hunger for whatever they so love, so that it comes out of the painting. And then, with no clue as to even her name, you know who she is and a little bit of what she is about.

Impressionism: Cliche, over-viewed, everyday, common, boring, plain, unadventurous…

Sometimes I feel silly for Impressionism being one of my favorite movements. For the above words that people, including many artists, tend to associate with them. Impressionism is mainstreamed, prints bought by everyone, put up in dentist and insurance offices around the country. Looked at in galleries by many just because of their fame and “pretty” colors. But then I remember how badass these artists really were. They were the first to paint like this, they were outcasts, mocked, dismissed. They stepped outside the comfort zone of classic, traditional, scholarly painting. I don’t think they would have ever guessed how loved, in fact over-appreciated, they would become. Not only would their work be displayed after all, viewed by throngs of people everyday around the world, but reproduced so that 5 year old girls wake up every morning to a precious Monet on their walls over their pink comforter covered twin bed. Funny how that works. So yes, sometimes I feel cheesy and cliche, cause I was one of those 5 year old girls. But since then, my appreciation has moved beyond the pretty pastel colors and onto the vision and determination those artists had. Thanks for keeping it real guys :)