As a pastel and charcoal artist, I’m interested in the physical process of creating art. Using my hands as tools to move and blend the dust, to layer the colours and add contrast. The mediums allow me to immerse myself in the act of creating, giving me a way to connect with, and unleash my inner-artist. To work with curiosity and optimism.

I’m guided by instinct. I pick my subjects based on a primal urge to explore our humanity and find meaning and comfort in our surroundings. Music helps me surrender to the creative process, guiding not only my hand, but my whole self–to tap into the heart of my subject.

To date, I’ve experimented with realism and expression. First, finding inspiration in the stories of neurodiverse artists such as Vincent Fantauzzo. His portraits are refreshingly raw and honest. And like Vincent, I’m drawn to the hidden stories behind each face.

I find charcoal honest. Reducing subjects to shadows and light, allowing me to use contrast meaningfully. It forces me to focus on facial gestures and lines to share the character of the person I’m capturing. While with pastels, I find freedom in a vibrant colour pallet, where I can work symbolically and highlight our inner duplicity and struggles.

Now, influenced by the bold sensuality of artists like Francoise Nielly, my newest work combines abstraction and loose realism. I’m experimenting with mediums. Adding oils into my charcoal and pastel work, to create expressive portraits and landscapes.

Featuring cool, dark tones and embellishment of warm, natural light, my landscapes are moody, thoughtful and uplifting. While my portraits are bold and empowering, allowing viewers to be themselves. To feel, to connect, to find hope and to trust their own instincts.