artist statement

I have struggled with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder for my entire life. Looking at this work you probably didn't expect it to be about a painful mental illness, with its bright colors and sparkly jewels. But, I think you will be pleasantly surprised after reading this book or perhaps looking closer into my work that the subject matter is insightful and often, very serious.

Throughout this work, I wanted to explore my past, present, and hopeful future with my OCD. I use symbols and dreamlike motifs throughout my paintings that may come off as surrealism. But, similar to one of my biggest inspirations, Frida Kahlo, I do not consider myself a surrealist artist at all. She would say “I never painted my dreams. I painted my own reality.” I simply paint what I know. Aside from my main work, I made smaller paintings that illustrate the perhaps more literal meaning of some of the symbols that are used in my work.

I hope that this series of paintings inspires those who see it to talk about their mental health openly and honestly. OCD and any other mental health struggle is nothing to be ashamed of. You are not alone and you never will be.