My work lies somewhere between lost and found. To create it is markedly confusing at times, like trudging through a labyrinth with no semblance of articulating what is going on inside my mind. Discerning and translating my fluid surroundings into a tangible guide is, at times, a challenge. The process is uncomfortable and vulnerable, but crucially, it is familiar. Conquering life’s labyrinths becomes increasingly native, no matter how complex or novel. To be lost, to struggle, to navigate, to learn, and to be found, only to be lost again: that is my work.
I’ve chosen to title my practice showcase Between Lost and Found because my art often explores these themes. Last year, many of my works focused on loss, its impact on the human psyche, and how I perceive loss visually. This summer, I naturally shifted to concentrate on healing from loss (or becoming “found”). I hope to explore what it means to be “found” through my art in the coming months!
My Work: Subjects
Typically, the subjects I select are organic. I have been enjoying figure and portrait work for the past few months!
With my interest in psychology, portraits are especially useful for capturing the human stories and features that interest me. Using artistic strategies to portray my intentions in a universal language feels natural. Using this “universal language” also allows me to make my artwork more accessible while still retaining a sense of complexity.
My Work: Doing Subjects Justice
When I feel inspired to create, I work with the tools and materials that feel suitable for what I’m trying to express. If I have a clear idea of what I want to say, I choose tools that give the idea the most appropriate voice. In my mind, every idea has an essence and personality, so it needs to be represented in its purest form. Otherwise, I feel that I haven’t done it justice.
Other times, I’m unsure how to articulate what’s in my mind. Usually, I’ll try to seek it out through photography, collage, and sketching with different materials until I feel that it can adequately express itself. The works I am most satisfied with often achieve this sense of self-expression while maintaining my original intention.
My Work: Stories I Tell
To study psychology requires a degree of letting go and an acceptance of being lost. It is a complicated field with many unanswered questions. As a perfectionist discomforted by vague answers, art can help cope with the inherently lost nature of psychology and assist in finding acceptable ends. Inversely, as is usually the case with vagueness, art addressing psychology can also spawn questions of its own.
Another inspiration is the stories of myself and the people around me. Hearing other people’s perspectives and thoughts helps me empathize with their struggles, celebrate their triumphs, and learn more about what makes them unique. When I focus the scope inward and create art about my life, it’s a great way to connect with myself and process whatever I’m experiencing.
Outside Inspirations
Stylistically, I find myself drawn to impressionism. Each time I experience an impressionist work, I enjoy analyzing its methodology of simplification. The artist’s control of what matters, what should be omitted, and how to summarize complex information inspires me, particularly with the subject matter I enjoy exploring. Parsing scenes in an impressionist style helps communicate my unique perspective and relay what matters most to me in different settings.
If you couldn’t tell, Van Gogh is a personal favorite artist. 🙂
This summer, I also studied Tiepolo, an Italian master. His looseness and uniform line weight combine to create one of my favorite styles. His loose rococo frescoes are also fantastic!
I also enjoy contemporary art from video games, comic books, and manga!
Future Work
In my future practice, I hope to continue exploring these themes and push myself to explore the intersection between psychology and art more deeply.
To see my complete portfolio, click here!
