Growing up surrounded by masterpieces in art institutions, the captivating power of visual expression deeply impacted me. I was enthralled by the sheer mastery and scale of works ranging from timeless paintings to dynamic superhero cartoons on screen. Driven to learn the art of visual storytelling, I sought to investigate the skills needed to communicate effectively through the captivating language of visuals. These investigations drew me to study illustration early on. I found the tone of figurative art language in classic advertising illustrations insightful.

The love and appreciation for automobiles have been ingrained in my cultural upbringing and play a crucial role in my daily life. The car holds a special place in my heart, serving as a backdrop to some of life's most memorable moments, including road trips and defining moments of self-discovery. As a portrait artist, I am captivated by people's emotional connections with inanimate objects, and the car is no exception. While many sleek and technologically advanced cars are on the market today, I have a particular fondness for the vehicles of the late 1960s. The designs from this era have a particular type of bravado characterized by their attention to detail and impeccable engineering. The curves, lines, and overall aesthetic of these cars evoke a sense of freedom, adventure, and timeless style that continues to inspire.

What memories or memorable incidents do you have from that time? What did that experience give you as an artist? I once worked in an automotive shop, where I honed my skills in custom painting cars and restoring classic vehicles. These experiences were crucial in shaping my understanding of surface forms, materials, and craftsmanship and have informed my current studio practice in countless ways. The focus on process and attention to detail I developed while in the automotive shop translated seamlessly into my foray into fine art printmaking. This medium, which demands precision and a deep understanding of materials and processes, has become a central component of my studio practice and continues to challenge and inspire me. The hands-on experience and deep appreciation for the craftsmanship I gained in the automotive shop have fundamentally contributed to my studio practice today.

In my early paintings, I used the depiction of hair as a metaphor to explore the impact of consumer culture on society and the unattainable idealized archetypes perpetuated by media. Through my portraits, I aimed to communicate the idea that the external representation of a subject could serve as a symbol for their internal state. Over time, my approach evolved and became more nuanced as I sought to express these ideas through a more complex, interconnected form of expression inspired by the concept of the rhizome. The hair in my portraits became a more entrenched and multifaceted symbol, representing not just the effects of consumer culture but also the complex, interconnected nature of identity and self-expression. Through this evolution of my artistic practice, I sought to challenge the traditional notions of portraiture and offer a more nuanced and layered representation of the human experience.

In my sculptural work, I am drawn to the tangible and physical aspects of the medium - the materiality of the materials and the process of bringing a three-dimensional form to life. Sculpture holds a unique power of communication, distinct from the rapid dissemination of images in virtual spaces. This power lies in the "aura" of a sculpture, the presence, and the impact that it can have when experienced in person. The communicative potential of a sculptural form is best appreciated through direct experience and interaction, as the object's physicality invites the viewer to engage with it in a way that is impossible in a virtual space. Through my work, I aim to harness this powerful communicative potential of sculpture, exploring the interplay between form, material, and experience to create works that resonate with viewers on a nuanced emotional level.

My recent artistic focus has been primarily centered on painting, leading to a limited output of sculptural works. The challenges posed by the pandemic, particularly in terms of logistics, have reinforced this focus and provided an opportunity to delve deeper into my painting practice. The constraints of the situation have allowed me to concentrate on the details of my paintings, exploring new techniques and pushing the boundaries of my craft. The pandemic was a catalyst for introspection and experimentation, helping me refine my approach and create more thoughtful detailed paintings.

What do you think about (or try not to think about) when you draw details for long hours? The painting process, particularly when it comes to rendering the intricate details, requires a significant investment of time and focus. However, within these prolonged sessions of intense concentration, I find a meditative quality to the work. The craft of painting is critical in conveying the tactile feel of textures and surfaces.

As I work, I allow my mind to wander, considering the various thoughts and experiences in my consciousness at that moment. To keep engaged, I immerse myself in an eclectic range of stimulation, from audiobooks and streaming programs to the radio.

The modern world presents many fascinating and complex themes and concepts shaping the art world today, from the effects of interconnectivity and social media to the proliferation of artificial intelligence and images and the shifting cultural norms. These cultural differences in values profoundly impact how art is defined, created, and experienced.

As a painter, I am drawn to explore the evolving modalities of the art world and its place within our contemporary society. I am particularly interested in how these cultural shifts influence the canon of art and the artists defining it.

As I continue to explore these themes in my work, they offer a wealth of insights and inspiration for future investigations. I hope to continue contributing to the evolving discourse surrounding art and its place in the modern world by taking a critical and forward-thinking approach.

As a figurative artist, I am inspired by the diverse and eclectic cast of characters that make up the streets of Hollywood. From tourists on holiday to long-time residents and the city's over-tolerance of urban camping enthusiasts, these interactions bring a unique energy and tension to the public space. The city is a melting pot of different cultures, each with its own sense of glamour, showcased in everything from convertible tour buses to piles of graffiti-covered rental scooters. The streets are filled with familiar sights, made iconic through years of location filming, and the warm air and distinct light of Los Angeles make it a character in and of itself.

However, there is also a duality to the city, between the exterior and the interior, that can be seen in its architecture and inhabitants. It can be challenging to judge a book by its cover in Los Angeles, as there is often a disconnect between what is presented to the world and what lies beneath. This duality provides a rich source of visual investigation for a figurative artist like myself, who is drawn to the layered identities and complexity of the city.

There are many, but one's taste can change. My appreciation for painters is strong. It is rooted in the shared history of the craft, where I see the same challenges, creative problem-solving, and personal touch in artists' works from centuries past to present. As I delve deeper into the practice of painting, this sense of camaraderie grows stronger, reminding me of the rich legacy and timeless value of the discipline.

The recent "Golden Pacific" exhibition showcased a collection of six paintings, four etchings, and two monoprints. The works represented an idyllic, sun-kissed surreality, blurring the lines between reality and the fantastical. The paintings were imbued with a sense of ambiguity, exploring themes like leisurely pursuits, digital escapism, and contemporary dating.

The works' ethereal gradations of sky color evoke a fleeting moment of idealism, echoing the universal human impulse to capture a sunset. This connection between the art and the audience creates a form of unspoken collaboration, inviting the viewer to participate in the visual experience.

As a figurative artist, I am intrigued by the suggestion and interaction between the viewer and the environment. These pieces are an investigation into exploring this dynamic relationship. Each piece's level of craft and detail was a deliberate choice to convey the intricacies of human behavior, influenced by the complexities of our world.

I am currently in production for a new solo exhibition at Galleri 47, opening in Denmark in the Fall of 2023. The show will be a collection of all new paintings.