artist statement

There is a literal translation of the masks that I paint in this series. The direct relationship to COVID-19 represented has become a symbol of both our fears & sufferings, and our consideration & love for others. This constant reminder of global crisis has caused us immense anxiety regarding our and others’ well-being, all of this revealing how deeply we care about one another. This begs the question: how will we then feel when we see these masks twenty years from now in the dirt?

After only a few short months, I began to see the disposable masks near storm drains, in the grass, hanging in trees, floating in the water, and blowing in the air. I even saw one around a bird's neck. They are everywhere - reminding me of the new struggle we are facing, and a different struggle that the earth has been facing for decades.

My work challenges the conflicting feelings developed and continuing to evolve within ourselves towards masks. Each painting of the mask is its own entity of ideas and beliefs. I hope to infuse my spirituality, my longing, my hope, and my distress in each one, but when I put them onto paper or canvas, I feel that I have faced it, let it go, and come out the victor.