Artist Statement

I paint to unveil the unseen, conjuring surreal portraits that externalize hidden emotions. Primarily using oil, I begin with phthalo blue—layering with oil stick and smudging to sculpt contorted forms—while exploring mixed media, including spray paint for vibrant cartoon contrasts. Mementos like limestone from Egypt’s Valley of the Kings and lava rocks from Santorini infuse painted earthy textures, grounding my work in a familiar depth. My obsession with uncanny portraiture shines in commissions like A Portrait of Amanda Clause, where likeness evolves into surreal essence through invented forms.

My Momentals series and Momentals Totems invite displaced communities to connect, blending surreal and cartoon styles for versatile storytelling. Inspired by Caravaggio’s chiaroscuro and global travels, I weave cultural narratives into layered portraits. I invite viewers to uncover their truths in these juxtapositions, forging a global ‘tribe’ through shared stories, portrait sittings, and potential collaborations that bridge fine art and bold design.