Celeste Sky 1 Painting

Through my paintings, I explore my relationship with sound after experiencing sudden unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound) and being diagnosed with Ménière's Disease in 2017. Since then, the intersection of sound and daily life has emerged as a focal point in my abstract paintings, which now carry a different purpose. This transformative journey not only reshaped my artistic expression but also fueled my advocacy for hearing health. My art practice is my way of transcending to a quiet, serene place. This aspect is particularly evident in my latest series, The Calm Collection – a body of work crafted with the intention of transporting me and the viewer to a tranquil mental space. When I immerse myself in a new piece, I approach it layer by layer, allowing each brushstroke to respond to the one before. I teeter on the delicate balance between trying to steer certain outcomes and getting pleasantly surprised by the organic shapes that emerge "by accident," grabbing the spotlight in the painting. Regardless of the highs and lows, each piece ultimately finds its way and comes together. I have always expressed myself better through the language of visual art, and I am constantly exploring new ways of visually illustrating sound. To create my paintings, I use multiple translucent layers and washes of ink and acrylic paint. Each layer forms the groundwork for intricate yet soft lines, weaving a story that mirrors the undulating patterns of sound waves. The repetition of lines serves as a form of meditation to help quiet both internal and external noise. Another recurrent aspect in my paintings is the negative space surrounding the focal point, representing the act of masking sound—a parallel to my real-life experience with Sound Therapy and the soothing effect of white noise.