Identity is a squishy word.

There are times we can say, with confidence, “I identify as or with...” But the journey to reach this level of certainty is rarely a direct course. This exhibit is my fraction of the truth. A journey of discovery and rediscovery, of defining one’s self through the years and decades of life, building layer after layer of self, and the unfortunate pressure to mask our self with an outward image acceptable to those around us.

My process is to start with elements of beauty and ugliness, then through a series of decisions, adding and subtracting color and light, reaching a point of my own contentment. I use aperture and negative space to represent authenticity cutting through image. More often than not, it’s the color that shines through my artwork that captures my audience’s attention. For better or for worse, we want to see what’s underneath.

Many of my works have famous subjects. I reflect with every piece, and they often trigger a thought of someone I admire. These are people who have discovered and rediscovered who they are. Performers who redefine “the world’s a stage,” and actively bring their identity to their platform. Activists who challenge the accepted ways of the world’s stage, and bring about positive change, and many who never revealed their full self to the world. It’s difficult to put into words, but I suppose that is why we have art.

There’s also an underlying element of struggle in this exhibit. It’s not lost on me the pain of finding and revealing one’s self. Chester Bennington sung of insecurity, living without a sense of confidence, convinced that there’s just too much pressure to take. It’s a familiar feeling I try not to forget and overlook. Some of my subjects have taken their own life and some of my pieces are intended to capture their authentic stories the best I can.

Ultimately, I hope you see strength in every piece. I want you to lean into the work, discover the details that are most interesting and therefore meaningful to you. Perhaps take a moment to reflect on who you are in this moment and let part of your own self out.

I appreciate all of you more than I can express. Thank you for taking the time to enjoy my fraction of the truth.