Artist Statement

        The questions I used to guide my sustained investigation began with: How to show scenes with reflection? How does liquid and glass abstract the view of objects? How do reflections alter our view of objects? After some investigation, I used these questions in my work: How does light affect our view of the world? How does light’s reflection abstract landscapes, objects, and people?

          Initially, I wanted to solely focus on reflection using ink, shown in my “Jar of Oranges”, but I also wanted to paint a sunset. I did not know how to combine these two ideas yet. Janet Fish’s brushstrokes of still life and landscapes inspired my first painting that combined still life and nature– “Fall Jar”. I focused on brushstrokes and almost an impressionistic approach. Additionally, Barbara B. Bullard inspired my work with her large variety of light and dark colors. My sustained investigation of my friend and I walking on the beach adds people into the landscape reflection category. “Magnified”, “Into the Abyss”, “Walking on Sunshine”, and "Glimpse of Heaven" encapsulate my artistic goals the most.

        Through painting reflective surfaces and objects, I want to express that light and abstraction alters our view of the world around us. I explore the idea of people, places, and things having a deeper meaning and purpose than what is seen at first glance. By having multiple layers of paint and bright colors, one's attention lingers and causes the viewer to look deeper into the painting. Because my work mainly consists of bright colors, it is implied that darkness causes an inability to see clearly. One must find light in their life. The light in my life is Jesus, and He has placed an interest for me to discover light as a way to showcase His influence on my perspective in life.