Born on February 14, 1990, in the quaint town of Indiana, Pennsylvania. My roots are humble; my father was an industrial painter, and my mother dedicated herself to nursing. From an early age, my mother noticed that I had an innate flair for art. Despite being largely self-taught in painting and drawing, I honed my skills in graphic design at the Indiana County Technology Center.
Growing up in the countryside, my exposure to external influences was limited. I vividly remember an elementary school art class where the teacher introduced us to Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” While my classmates admired its beauty. I was captivated by its profound melancholy.
Couple years later, my brother recreated Salvador Dali’s ‘The Persistence of Memory.’ This profoundly impacted me, sparking a fascination with surreal worlds. We would spend hours together, inventing stories and imagining places that felt thrillingly otherworldly. I longed to dwell in the unconscious, finding solace in my imagination as a neurodivergent individual. My imaginary world was a safe haven, where we could explore ideas, whether they succeeded or failed. It was always about the thrill of the next idea.
Life threw its fair share of challenges my way. My father suffered from neurotoxicity due to his job, and my mother had a mental breakdown, and left home when I was young. On top of these hardships, I’ve battled physical illness, and learning disabilities, all of which have profoundly shaped my art and my journey. It left me isolated, focused on my craft of art to escape.
But every cloud has a silver lining. Trinity Martz played a pivotal role in my early career. When I was 14, she bought my artwork and offered me a summer job creating art. This early validation was the spark that ignited my passion.
Artist Influences
In 2012, I had my first major breakthrough at the local art walk in La Porte, TX. For two transformative years, I immersed myself in the local art scene, which was crucial for my development. Angie Cook is a major influence in my art development.
My grandfather was a master craftsman, and my grandmother, a talented seamstress and crafter. Their resilience and community spirit have always driven me to persevere. They were the celebrities of our close knit community of 500. Felt obligitated to hold those standards. Still do in my demeanor’s today.
Now
Currently, my artistic journey has led me to explore deeper into my psychi. I draw motivation from reflecting on the lives of those I love. When the weight of the world feels unbearable, creating art becomes my sanctuary. I hope my vibrant use of colors and relatable drawings connect with people on a deep level and leave a lasting impression.
Aspiring Artists
I say this: do not let anyone dampen your spirit. If you have a passion, pursue it with unwavering determination.
I aim to be remembered as an artist who captivated audiences with my work, despite my often shy demeanor. Inside, there’s an extrovert waiting to burst forth, and through my art, I strive to capture the attention and interest of viewers from across the room.