Bachelor of Arts Works

Projects created while I was a student at Coastal Carolina University from 2016-2018.

Senior Capstone Artist Statement and Works

As an artist, I synthesize and abstract the world to fit my perspective; unabashedly reproducing my inner self.  My current body of work deals with death and loss, concepts that I am just beginning to understand. They have been a heavy, tangled burden on my shoulders for months. It is through creation and the artistic process that I am coming to terms with this dark entity that is so irrevocably intertwined with life and our very existence.  My body of work employs textural variety, abstraction, and a conceptual mixed media approach to visually explore how the mind deals with loss.  


In this body of work, I pay careful attention to the materials I apply to the canvas. I have used everything from discarded paper towels to acrylic mediums to convey the multifaceted aspects of grief. Reminiscent of death masks and ancient votive sculpture, the level of abstraction I am working with to depict loss is part of a longstanding visual tradition. In more recent history, artists like Pablo Picasso used abstraction to depict trauma and sadness, with exaggerated features and movement of the human figure. I apply these conventions by painting semi-figural imagery, with the most prominent feature being the black-hole-like eyes.  The faces are contorted and elongated expressionistically to heighten the feelings of grief.

Oceanic Femininity: Watercolor Series

Oceanic Femininity is an exploration in surrealism that juxtaposes marine life with parts of the human female figure. My working definition of surrealism, as described by Merriam-Webster,  is “principles, ideals, or practice of producing fantastic or incongruous imagery or effects in art...by means of unnatural or irrational juxtapositions and combinations.” By allowing my subconscious to dictate the imagery, I am not weighed down by required explanations for my bizarre combinations. Therefore, conceptually, this body of work is about the act of creation and how I let my imagination run wild and dictate production within the two given restraints. I chose these two particular conditions not only as unifying elements, but because they are themes I am naturally drawn to and inclined to depict in my work.


Although the process was slow, I allowed the images to organically come to me rather than trying to force ideas to happen. This led to the creation of compositions that are dream-like in nature and that are reflective of my emotional states.
For this body of work, I chose to use primarily watercolor paint with mixed media elements. Watercolor is reflective of the marine life theme, and by allowing mixed media elements, it gave me the freedom of organic creation with media. I could include the most appropriate media to resolve an issue or create a certain visual effect without being constrained by the limitations of watercolors.

3D, 2D, Printmaking, Color Theory, Drawing, and Portrait Painting Works

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