Artist Statement:

The ability to form immediate, intense bonds with others is vital to my work as an artist. My goal is to create these bonds with the animals and people I paint—offering a vision of the world rooted in empathy, harmony, and respect for all living beings.

My art explores the deep contrasts of light and shadow through chiaroscuro, and the interplay of yin and yang energy. These dualities reflect the tension between harm and healing, violence and compassion. Through this lens, I invite the viewer to uncover their own sense of connection, compassion, and inner peace.

By depicting the animals we love and their positive relationships with us, I aim to reveal the emotional depth and individuality of all sentient beings. These portraits encourage viewers to recognize the shared capacity for joy, pain, and affection in nonhuman animals, fostering a broader sense of compassion that extends beyond species boundaries. By capturing the golden moments we share with animals and nature, I hope to foster awareness and appreciation of all of the natural world.

Guided by a commitment to nonviolence, health, and environmental stewardship, I use my art to advocate for a plant-based lifestyle. Each piece becomes an offering—transforming a desire for a kinder, more conscious world into vibrant color, light, and love. I hope to ignite the viewer’s awareness, encouraging them to challenge complacency and embrace a more compassionate and sustainable way of living.

I live and work in the Midwestern USA.