Exploring Emotions through Art

Artist statement 

My work reflects my personal experiences, emotions, and transformative growth; I utilise animals as metaphors to explore this. Through painting and drawing, I navigate my own history—the struggles I’ve faced and the moments of freedom that have shaped me. I often use found materials like house paint, varnishes, masking tape, and layering textures and colours to create compositions that capture resilience, tension, and growth. I aim to invite viewers into a visual dialogue, allowing them to find connections between my experiences and their own. 

Much of my work exists in a space where beauty and pain coexist. I frequently depict animals of the same species (most commonly wolves/dogs)  in moments of confrontation or peaceful interaction. The ambiguity in these scenes is intentional and at the centre of my works—are they fighting, playing, or expressing affection? That uncertainty mirrors the complexities of human relationships and emotions, leaving room for personal interpretation. 

I’m drawn to the contrast between control and chaos in my practice. My process is both experimentally intuitive and intentional. I tend to embrace imperfections and spontaneity. Using animals as my main subject allows me to explore trauma and resilience in a way that isn’t overly literal, making space for broader interpretation. At the same time, my work touches on issues beyond personal experience, particularly the vulnerability of both humans and animals. I’m deeply interested in the challenges animals face today, such as habitat destruction, food scarcity, and extinction—issues that parallel human struggles with isolation, survival, and adaptation. 

As my work evolves with me, I find myself balancing between painting what is familiar and comfortable and those that embrace turbulence. This ongoing push and pull reflects my personal growth and the broader shifts in how we, as a society, process emotional and environmental challenges. 

My choice of acrylic paint as my primary medium was initially based on practicality—I used what I had. But over time, I’ve developed a strong connection with it. Acrylic is a newer, less traditional material, and in many ways, it fits the context of my work. My practice is breaking generational patterns, challenging conventional ways of thinking, and working through personal growth in whatever form. 

Ultimately, my paintings are a space for reflection for myself and those who engage with them. They capture snapshots of times of conflict, connection, and transformation. While each painting is created pulling from deeply personal thoughts and experiences, I hope they resonate with those it is meant to and encourage viewers to consider their emotions, memories, and perceptions of the world around them. Art isn’t just a way to express myself—it’s a way to understand and process life itself.