Nostalgia
Growing up as an introspective child observing social situations, more than starring in them, I became deeply curious about intrapersonal relationships and the implications of personal identity. My work examines identity and relationships by looking into people’s pasts through symbols. The objects being held embody nostalgia for the individuals holding them. Through layering, building textures, scraping, scratching, and blending the drawings were developed in detail to replicate the vividness of memory that invisibly ties us to our former selves. I believe our former selves are carried within us, continually influencing our lives. When certain parts of the past go unresolved, they become potential blocks in making connections with others, which is problematic. Brené Brown explained the importance of connection saying, “We are hardwired to connect with others, it’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering” (8). My goal is to give others a platform to share, connect with others, and achieve peace with the past. The vulnerability shown by those represented in the work allows for strong and meaningful connections to be made between viewers and the figures.
Brené Brown. Daring Greatly. Gotham Books, 2012. (287 pages)

Momma
Colored pencil, acrylic, ink
24 x 18 in
2017

Don
Colored pencil, acrylic, ink
18 x 24 in
2018

Mama Smith
Colored pencil on paper
24 x 18 in
2019

Aunt Nesey
Colored pencil, acrylic, ink
24 x 18 in
2017

Granny
Colored pencil, acrylic, ink
24 x 18 in
2017

Meme
Colored pencil, acrylic, ink
24 x 18 in
2018

Papa
Colored pencil, acrylic, ink
24 x 16 in
2017

Robert
Colored pencil, acrylic, ink
24 x 18 in
2018
Time-Lapse Video of

Belinda
Colored pencil, acrylic, ink
24 x 18 in
2018

Dolores
Colored pencil, acrylic, ink
24 x 18 in
2017

Nick
Colored pencil, acrylic, ink
24 x 18 in
2017

Mana
Colored pencil, acrylic, ink
21 x 16 in
2017
Time-Lapse Video of "Princess"

Princess
Colored pencil, acrylic, ink
24 x 16 in
2017

Teagan
Colored pencil, acrylic, ink
24 x 18 in
2018

Veronica
Colored pencil, acrylic, ink
24 x 19 in
2018

Sally
Colored pencil, acrylic, ink
24 x 18 in
2018