Art speaks to people in a way that words never could, and art to me is yet another avenue that allows me to speak without words (or sometimes, with fewer words).Who am I?
Art is my way of crying, mourning a world that never truly existed, while simultaneously hoping for a better world for everyone.For as long as I can recall, I have found immense beauty in our shared reality. I find inspiration in the shapes, colors, and patterns that are found amongst nature, cultures, conversations, and diversity that we bear witness to throughout our lives.Rediscovering digital art in 2023 has been an avenue for me to process my emotions. I channel stress to avoid overwhelming emotion, embrace the full range of discomfort, curiosity, wonder, joy, anger, fear, gratitude, inspiration, and more. I cope with the pain of grief that never goes away.These raw and vulnerable emotions are what make us human, and it’s what I express through my art.
Defining my Art
Art is my way of channeling my ideas into a visual format, and while there’s no ‘one size fits all’ for defining my style, I can absolutely describe my approach and inspirations.
As I learn and grow as an artist, perhaps I will develop my own style - but even then, my style will continue to grow as long as I do.
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For my photography, I’m a “Point & Shoot” sort of person. I called this “Opportunistic Photography” because it embraces this idea of chance and timing, while also recognizing the window of opportunity that is impermanent (and often be fleeting). This ephemeral characteristic is especially common when nature is involved.
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Creative freedom starts with letting your mind wander - something that becomes increasingly difficult as we develop ourselves.
Wonder is a core part of what opens our hearts and lets our minds discover new possibilities. In my experience, creativity cannot happen without wonder and awe, as it’s the fuel to inspiration.
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Nature was my first photography subject, the essence of nature having drawn me in as early as I can remember (or that there’s proof of).
As I’ve delved more into photography and design, I’ve realized that nature is far more rooted in my core self than I could have ever realized.
Born and raised in the PNW, camping and fishing throughout my childhood, and nature being my first subject in photography - it’s no surprise that all this culminated into a deep love for the natural elements of our shared reality.
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Travel has been a massive source of inspiration for my photography.
When you have the opportunity to witness the world that we share with billions of other people, there’s countless elements that can create some of the most inspiring encounters.
Whether it’s a meal shared with laughter or crying, or a profound chill that reconnects you with a belief once buried… the broader you expand your personal world, the greater the possibilities.
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My mind is always racing.
As such, I’m always trying to learn something new each day. Whether this is new experiences, new stories, new skills, or new information, my mind thrives when it’s learning and experiencing new things.
An important lesson that I’ve recognized is that rest is important for this learning process. So for me, it’s about balancing rest to maximize growth.
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There’s a magic in this world that can only be seen with a curious mind.
There is no singular way of viewing the world, and I learn more from being open to new experiences than I do from repetition.
Curiosity is a practice that I choose every day because it leaves me open to experiencing wonder, growing with each new experience.
That is curiosity’s magic.
Reclaiming positivity for the world through curiosity and embracing each moment.
Meaningful Words in My Life
“You don’t give yourself enough credit, you know.”
— Dave, 2 Days before H.S Graduation
“Shine your light so bright that other people have no choice but to shine as brightly, so that they match your level.”
— JR, at my Godsister’s Wedding
“It’s important to treat others how you want to be treated…
but don’t take 💩 from anyone!”
— Mama Gile, some valuable childhood (and adulthood) wisdom
“Doesn’t pass the sniff test.”
— Grandpa
“Whichever choice you make, if you look back on it in 10 years’ time, which will you regret more: Doing it or not doing it?”
— Papa Gile, guidance that continues to guide me
“Where’s my phone at?”
— Me, a daily occurance