Shadow Swimmer Painting

As a self-taught artist, my journey in the world of art, began at a young age, growing up in Soho, during the birth of the contemporary art movement. My father, a sculptor, and my mother, a graphic artist, exposed me to the art world from an early age and instilled in me a love and appreciation for the creative process. As a child, I spent my time going to gallery openings and art museums, absorbing the works of the greats and learning about the different styles and techniques that make art so powerful. Despite this early exposure to the world of art, I initially had no interest in becoming an artist myself. I longed for more financial stability and pursued a different career path, earning a bachelors degree in comparative literature from UCSC, and moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in television. However, life can take unexpected turns, and when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I lost my father, who had been an important figure in my life and a constant source of inspiration. It was during this difficult time that I turned to painting as a way to process my grief, and continue a dialogue with my father. To my surprise, I found that I had a natural talent for it and sold several paintings quickly. It was then that I realized that my true passion lay in the world of art, and I decided to pursue it as a career. My paintings are figurative in nature, and I leave out the details of the face and do not use shadowing in my work. This style is inspired by the works of Henri Matisse, Gary Hume, Kazimir Malevich, Alex Katz, and Milton Avery. These artists have had a profound impact on my work, and have taught me the importance of simplicity and the power of color.