Art Portfolio
Lost Childhood
Acrylic paint and faux fur fabric on canvas
18 x 24 inches
A young girl stands in front of her makeshift shelter—a tent of tattered cloth and variegated sheets—a mere semblance of a home. Her eyes tell the story of loss, fear, and despair. A little boy sucks his fingers to relieve his hunger as he intently gazes into the distance eagerly awaiting the return of his family from their search for food. The dilapidated tent is his only foundation and safe place from the harsh realities of war. I covered the tent in faux fur fabric to emphasize the metaphorical warmth he still feels from the meager shelter that he calls home. This painting illuminates the humanitarian crisis brought on by violent conflicts, evoke empathy, and instill a desire to achieve global peace to save our most precious resource—our children.
Right to Play
Childhood should be filled with laughter, fun and fervent exploration to satisfy their evergrowing curiosities. This collection of children's toys represents their desire to discover new talents and learn from their surroundings with passion and innocence. I used colorful fur fabric and yarn to symbolize the playful and warm nature of youth. As a society we must value harmony and peace to protect our children's right to play.
Children of Gaza
Acrylic and faux fur fabric on canvas
24 x 18 inches
Three young children huddle together in solidarity amidst falling snow-like debris from the relentless bombings in Gaza. The youngest child with a pleading expression is seen holding a white dove, a symbol of peace and hope. I used teddy bear-like fur fabric to symbolize the children’s yearning for warmth amidst war’s cold and desolate aftermath.
The Burden of War on Innocence
Acrylic and faux fur fabric on canvas
24 x 18 inches
This piece depicts the psychological impact of war that has its most devastating effect on the smallest and most vulnerable. A young boy is standing amidst the ruins of his home, alongside his sole companion, his teddy bear. As he gazes into the distance only destroyed buildings, rubble and smoke filled skies is all that remains. I used fur to adorn the battered buildings to symbolize the child’s warm memories of the only home he’s ever known. He is envisioning what the future will now hold for him and his teddy bear, his only remaining comfort, as they look on together. The boy’s facial expression is omitted and left for the viewer’s imagination.
Eternal Flame of Hope
Watercolor on watercolor paper
24 x 18 inches
A cake is a symbol of joy, family, and the celebration of life’s sweetness. But life is unpredictable and can be filled with deep visceral pain and unimaginable hardships. A once beautiful creation is deteriorating and moldy, enveloped by the chains of injustice and the wires of oppression. The deep penetrating nails reflect the piercing pain that life can bring. Through this darkness and despair is the shining light of an undying flame embodying the human spirit of resilience and eternal hope.
Where is My Baby!
Acrylic on canvas
24 x 18 inches
People in war-torn countries experience destruction, isolation, and the unimaginable pain of losing what’s most precious-their families. The printed flyer of the rabbit is a symbol of innocence and vulnerability. Each wrinkle represents the desperation, fear, and grief of those in search of lost loved ones.
Sleeping Side by Side
Oil on canvas
24 x 18 inches
A fluffle of rabbits are nestled tightly together as they sleep. Still young, the pinks of their ears and the softness of their fur captures the innocence of their being. As they share their body temperatures for warmth, deep physical and emotional attachments are formed. This embodies the collective experience of unity and reliance on each other for support and building community. A powerful message that as social beings, we cannot survive individually, but only as a whole.
Beautiful Sleep
Acrylic on canvas, spray paint, sheer fabric
24 x 18 inches
A majestic little bird appears to be in a state of sleep. Its feathers, groomed and vibrant, emits a glow of beauty despite having taken its last breath. It lost its life but leaves behind an aura of peace and tranquility. It symbolizes the loss of innocent children whether through war, famine or disease. Their positive imprint on the world remains as long as we take the time to look.
Little Hands, Big Responsibilities
Acrylic on canvas
24 x 18 inches
South Korea’s haenyeo (women freedivers in Jeju Island) rely on the sea for sustenance and survival by harvesting mollusks, seaweed and other seafood. Often as the sole provider for their families they express their gratitude to the sea and pray for a safe return through emotive songs. Because we currently live in a world of growing environmental crises, from global warming and climate change, to pollution and the depletion of natural resources, the actions we take today will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Mystic Rain
Charcoal pencil and colored pencil on colored paper
24 x 18 inches
This piece portrays our view of the world that can be dramatically distorted when viewed through an aberrant lens. Seen through the car’s windshield on a gloomy rainy day, the water droplets subtle interplay with glass, transforms the commonplace and mundane to a mysterious world of dancing power lines, undulating clouds and melting buildings. Its psychotropic effect is as powerful as any drug. This image draws attention to the importance of clarity in understanding and interacting with the world we live in. Only through a clear lens, can we as a society make appropriate interpretations and responsible decisions.
The Isolation of Social Media
Charcoal pencil on colored paper
24 x 18 inches
COVID-19 turned the world upside down with social distancing and online schooling quickly becoming the new norm. This self-portrait depicts the loneliness and isolation I felt like so many others during the pandemic. Turning to social media for companionship could not replace the tangible benefits of personal relationships and only led to a greater sense of isolation. As I gaze into the screen feelings of sadness, loneliness, and a longing for human interaction so common amongst the digital generation is evident.
Emergence
Watercolor on watercolor paper
24 x 18 inches
Depression has no boundaries and does not discriminate. Once it takes hold it can seem like an impenetrable force that leads down a one way street of despair and emptiness. A man with a broken heart is emerging from the shadows into the light. His cautious yet purposeful step to escape despondency exemplifies the human will to survive. We must all recognize the subtle signs of those who are reaching out for help and be ready to assist with empathy and compassion.
Fighting for Survival
Acrylic paint, faux fur fabric, and textured yarn on canvas
24 x 18 inches
A small boy wanders alone through the barren streets of what once was his neighborhood. The homes are adorned with fur, symbolic of his longing for comfort and a desire to preserve his precious memories of home. In stark contrast from the reality of the rubble around him, he embarks on a journey through what was once a place of comfort, now shrouded with unknowns in search for a better tomorrow.
Reach for Your Dreams
Ink jet prints mounted on foamcore
Balloons fall from a net as children extend their arms, hoping to capture one. The yellow balloons embody the children’s hope, energy, and endless possibilities when given the opportunity. This photograph captures the essence of youthful imagination and ambition. They are reaching as far as their limbs will allow to grasp their dreams and realize their unlimited potential.
Print making practice
Ephemeral Innocence
This work is linocut prints of various balloon shapes, printed with multicolored paint.
Let's Ride!
Regenerating
Waiting for you
The first action:
a little step together
This collage art work is very special because it represents the last four years of my high school. The Little Steps initiative was founded after my visit to an orphanage in Korea as an 8th grader. Since the visit, I have been providing custom-painted shoes for the orphanage and 2 local shelters in a sincere desire to make them feel loved and special.