What artists or movements have had an impact on you?
A couple of artists that have inspired my recent work are Brian Jungen, Banksy, and Edward Burtynsky.
What themes does your work involve?
In my work, I often draw inspiration from themes of consumerism, activism, and popular culture. Through upcycled sculpture and mixed-media, I enjoy exploring how artists can develop ways of mitigating society’s consumption levels while seeking ways to influence the contemporary discourse on upcycling. Through this, I confront Earth’s pollution crisis.
The uncertainty keeps me motivated and passionate to keep creating; the future is unknown and intriguing
What is important to you about the visual experiences you create?
I think it is important to portray an overall message or theme in my work, to influence positive change. I strive to influence sustainability and positive mental health for myself and future generations. If I can achieve this throughout my work, I believe that is what makes it successful.
Do you work from memory, life, photographs, or from other resources? Describe your creative process.
My creative process fluctuates with each work. I enjoy the uncertainty of not having a stable structure because it generates a more interesting outcome. The uncertainty keeps me motivated and passionate to keep creating; the future is unknown and intriguing. I begin my creative process by collecting discarded materials around my city on garbage days or use what is donated to me. Once I have my materials, I research inspiration from credible sources, such as online government reports. From here, I work from an inner thought process that generates ideas and images that I want to create.
My favorite part about being an artist, is striving to generate positive change within society
Do you have any artistic goals for the future that you would like to share?
A couple of artistic goals that I have, are to obtain my master’s degree and continue exhibiting my work in galleries, nationally and internationally.
What do you consider the role of an artist today?
My favorite part about being an artist, is striving to generate positive change within society. Artwork allows a new perspective on social issues that encourages the audience to reflect and retain innovative thoughts. If artists can influence this change, the world will continue to grow and inspire future generations.
