Artist Statement

Human connection is at the center of my art.

I am interested in the relationship between cultures, how contact between cultures leads to change, which I try to explore through the use and juxtaposition of decorative patterns.

Humans from pre-historic times on had the urge to create ornament. Some patterns traveled the world once created and became part of the visual vocabulary of often very dissimilar cultures. Other patterns are found in multiple cultures without a history of exchange – they seem to have an innate symbolism that universally attracts people. Patterns are not just ornament they convey information about a culture, tell stories. Patterns moved around the world before the digital age and became part of the language of cultures that supposedly had little in common.

As patterns travel and are absorbed into different societies their meaning, their power can stay the same or transform as they are absorbed into the ornamental vocabulary of their new hosts.

In this they remind us of culture in general and of people who might either be transformed by a new environment or change their new surroundings. NYC is the perfect example for this. A seemingly infinite number of different cultures living and working together, inspiring each other, and lifting each other up. This is what makes our city special.

My paintings try to remind the viewer to explore how similar we are despite our differences and how each person helps create the greater whole.