My portraiture focuses on the broad complexities of an individual. Working in oil, I meld realism with loose abstract elements to tell a layered narrative of what is seen on the surface, what can be learned upon closer examination, and what remains unknown. Through gesture, expressive mark-making, and symbolism I invite a deeper examination into the makeup of a person. In uncovering individuality, I often discover commonality in a lived, human experience. My explorations in themes of mental health, the female lens, and looking beyond a superficial surface reveal that complex emotions don’t equate to isolation, but rather connectedness in our shared humanity.