Artist Statement
Identity and exploration of the self is a theme that I focus on heavily in my work. My artwork has always been a very personal experience for me, and I make my art based on various aspects of my life. One of the reoccurring ideas in my work because of this is the fact that I don’t have much experience with traveling to other places outside of the Midwest. I’ve never seen the ocean, or any mountains; my whole life has been spent in the cornfields, with such places only existing to me through books and the internet. By making digital landscape paintings, those places I’ve only ever heard of become a little easier to comprehend, as unfamiliar to me as they are.
While I do enjoy painting with the traditional (oil or acrylic) paint and canvas, what I truly love to do is painting through digital programs. I’ve always described myself as a child of the internet, having grown up alongside the rapid evolution of technology ever since I was only a handful of years old, and using such techniques came naturally to me as a result. I use these programs in my art through use of a Wacom tablet, and switch between a couple of different computer programs to bring out as much as I can in my work. At times, I even use such techniques at my disposal to make animated pieces. Using bright, vivid, and sometimes dream-like colors is my way of trying to get across to the viewer that the places that I paint have only ever existed in my mind. I love telling stories as much as I love making art, and by incorporating fantasy elements into my work as well, my aim to make every piece I create tell a different story to the viewer.
While I do enjoy painting with the traditional (oil or acrylic) paint and canvas, what I truly love to do is painting through digital programs. I’ve always described myself as a child of the internet, having grown up alongside the rapid evolution of technology ever since I was only a handful of years old, and using such techniques came naturally to me as a result. I use these programs in my art through use of a Wacom tablet, and switch between a couple of different computer programs to bring out as much as I can in my work. At times, I even use such techniques at my disposal to make animated pieces. Using bright, vivid, and sometimes dream-like colors is my way of trying to get across to the viewer that the places that I paint have only ever existed in my mind. I love telling stories as much as I love making art, and by incorporating fantasy elements into my work as well, my aim to make every piece I create tell a different story to the viewer.
About
I was born and raised in Galesburg, Illinois, where I have spent most of my life. Having become interested in art at an early age, I was painting and drawing long before I started to pursue art in my education. After graduating from Galesburg High School, I became enrolled in Monmouth College soon after and that is where I am currently furthering my artistic knowledge and experience. Once my time comes to an end at Monmouth College, I plan to pursue art professionally as a career.
Current and Completed Courses
All current and completed classes were/are being taken at Monmouth College.
Freshman Year:
Freshman Year:
- Art and Ideas (Completed)
- Typography & Logo Design (Completed)
- Construction & Foundary (Completed)
- Foundational Drawing (Completed)
- Portfolio (Completed)
- Design (Completed)
- Art History Survey (Completed)
- Abstract Painting (Completed)
- Contemporary Art (Completed)
- Poster Design (Completed)
- Book Design (Completed)
- Typography & Logo Design - Advanced Level (Completed)
- Critique 1 (Completed)
- Hand-Built Ceramics (Completed)
- Critique 2 (Completed)
- Bookmaking - Advanced Level (Currently Taking)
- Printmaking (Currently Taking)
- Exhibition (Currently Taking)
- Critique 3 (Currently Taking)