In my art, I explore themes like whimsy, collage aesthetics, and childhood nostalgia. My abstract paintings and sculptures express inner feelings and pure, spontaneous play. I want people to look at my art and feel young and carefree, as if they are stepping into their own childhood.

 

When I make a work of art, I like to work intuitively. I choose a medium that is new to me, like textiles, plaster, wood reed, or oil paint, and I explore their capabilities. Following the flow allows me to be surprised, and I go on a creative journey. I am also interested in using a collage aesthetic, which I find exciting because I enjoy the layers and contrasting materials. I use the same collage approach when I make sculptures, paintings, and textiles.

 

Interdisciplinary art-making is really important to my creative process, and I am interested in combining art, biology, and dance. I approach my art with curiosity and investigation, researching subjects like biological evolution and childhood nostalgia. Fascinated by how humans and animals have developed, I want to bring these scientific ideas into my art. I have also been studying hip hop, jazz and lyrical dance since I was young, and I love to combine my passion for visual art with dance, exploring how to share emotions between art forms. 

 

I am influenced and inspired by the world around me: bright expressive patterns, bold shapes, and magical animations. I look to artists to open my eyes, and I have been fortunate to explore art in other countries. Touring temples in Laos expanded my understanding of art as expressions of beliefs. The massive, ornate yellow Chihuly outdoor sculpture I saw in Venice made me think of ocean coral and the deep sea, driving me to want to make intricate, expressive statement pieces. I also love how abstract art can feel both simple and wild, like the colorful geometric Mondrian paintings I saw at the Art Institute of Chicago, inspiring me to create my own abstract artwork. I want my viewers to feel surprised and curious.

 

In college, I hope my classes and mentors will stretch and challenge me as I experiment with new techniques, styles, mediums, and processes. I am excited to see how new influences will affect my art. I believe art brings people from different backgrounds together, and it's my goal to have my art contribute to this experience.