Painting is my all-encompassing form of creation, where I can be totally obsessed and turn off the world.
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I really care about painting images that make people feel something within themselves -- and to evoke those feelings that they haven't seen visualized before. I want to form deep relatability to people who look at my paintings. I want them to understand that they aren't alone, and that painting is a way to escape from whatever they want to. If you have a vision or idea for a world that doesn’t exist yet, it’s up to you to see it fulfilled in some way. For me, that’s painting.
Where do you find inspiration?Ironically, painters aren't my heroes. Musicians are actually my biggest inspirations. The music and lives of Kurt Cobain, Michael Jackson, and Elliott Smith have been some of the most passionate influences on my paintings over the years. The underdog stories, their rise to stardom, and the sensitive yet deeply personal expressions of themselves always inspired me to tell similar stories of my lived experiences. I like to think of each of my paintings as a song.
What would you do with $25,000?If I were given $25,000, I would use every single dollar to fund my painting practice by covering my living expenses, art supplies, exhibition fees, and transportation. It would be the greatest gift I've been given on my journey as a painter.
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