ARTIST STATEMENT

Born and raised in Southern California, I draw inspiration from my experiences exploring trails and river paths by foot and bicycle. Many of my paintings present figures on journeys, often children. This contradicts the unfortunate reality that many children grow up without access to nature and never get to climb trees or view wild animals. Historically disadvantaged communities have a disproportionate lack of access to natural spaces. Children need access to nature as it helps to deepen their understanding of humanity’s place in the ecosystem.

Land stewardship is a human responsibility, and local Indigenous peoples hold this belief integral to their culture. My artistic practice focuses on existing areas in need of restoration and protection, such as the Tijuana River Valley, the San Diego River and the Famosa Slough and the Los Angeles River. Located in the middle of urban development, these areas have been greatly impacted by pollution and habitat destruction. My work visualizes them in restored states where people and nature co-exist. Physical well-being is inextricably linked to clean air and fresh water, but human health also requires natural spaces for recreation and enjoyment. I hope viewers will examine their own personal relationship to nature and support conservation in their area.

We are living in a time of tenuous existence with nature, and there are no guarantees for the future; stopping climate change may not be possible. I use photographs, memories and a growing knowledge of native plants and animals to collage people, plants and animals in an existing space. By using an impressionistic style, I want to create a sense of motion and feeling of immediacy. My paintings create a potential future that comes from continued restoration efforts and increased access to natural areas.