Artist Statement

My portfolio explores the idea of perception and addresses the question: it is possible to see without a biased or altered lens. I began by creating more traditional pieces that challenge the way the viewer perceives ordinary things, shown in “Summer Daze,” and “Innocence.” As I continued building my body of work, I realized I tend to include two different aspects to focus on. This causes the viewer to feel conflicted and possibly frustrated about how they want to perceive the piece. “Drawn to these words” highlights this idea of conflict between focusing on the bold words and the various detailed images in the background. After this experimentation, I wanted to challenge the viewer to see my images through a new altered lens like in “Reflection,” “Contemplation,” “Euphoria,” “Big Little City,” “Perception Through Others,” and “Burning the Past”. I also practiced constantly moving the lens which is shown in “Story Within” while still including the two desired aspects for the viewer to focus on. My investigation has led me to challenge the viewers’ preconceived perceptions of how things are seen or meant to be. I want viewers to approach my pieces with the expectation of them being made of one material or concept when in reality, they are another.