PORTFOLIO.
Here is a place for my own solace and reprieve, one without restrictions, one without boundaries.
I’ve prepared my first series to shed light on our psyche without bearings, therefore our image distorted. I work in graphite, charcoal, and ink mediums. I urge you to learn more about my foundations and join me in the creative process.
DISSOLVING BOUNDARIES
I.
I developed this drawing while mourning my friend and team mate, Ian Miskelley. Drawing in the midst of confusion, reflecting on self hatred and degeneracy I’ve never felt before. I would find quiet corners of unused classrooms and forgotten hallways to do my work. Sitting with the confusion and wondering when somebody was going to interrupt me with a loving embrace.
I familiarized myself with the contorting confusion of loss through this work, all of its back corner nooks and crannies, escaping the natural order of architecture and engineering. I embraced the writhing and twisting to feel natural in the complete loss of boundaries.
Loss of boundaries in the construct of humanity. Loss of boundaries in what true health and beauty is. Loss of boundaries in choice and purpose.
II.
An expression of disgust.
Through mourning, I found he was not the only connection I had lost. Countless relationships, scars with family, scars with friends, scars with coaches. All deeply missed.
I wretch at my mistakes, reflecting on my treatment of those I love. Pieces break from my body, dripping off in fluid. Bone and flesh and feet and hands don’t make sense.
An expression of pain. Conflict arose in my career and ideas began to come to the surface. Perhaps the true reasoning in my disgust. Weeping for the drive to continue while trying to hold onto those pieces lost.
III.
This is a testament to support throughout troubled times. No matter the self disgust, the anger, the confusion, there were always those who were willing to support me.
Two strong limbs, still twisting and manipulating around space, hold up the body. They allow for a kick with flare and outreach towards a once lost piece of myself.
The eyes are still dark and mouth nonexistent. But, the form has become more human.
OTHER WORK
SNAGGLE TOOTH
Reconstruction of family ties, friends, and a sense of purpose coming with the cost of leaving Michigan behind.
Developed while surrounded by friends, realizing those missing.
The jaw is missing, teeth reaching down to find it.
STUBBED TOE
A realization of the movement of life. Forward, through the broken glass and furniture, beside the tired eyes and scowls.
There are pieces missing, but the foot still walks. We should thank it for its stability and constancy.
TRICKSTER
Always find a joke, stick your tongue out, never mind the scary horns or the lack of skin. Demons are the first to laugh and stick their tongue out, make sure to laugh back.
I’ve entertained a busy sailing hobby throughout my life. This passion has been paramount in my development, not just as an artist, student, or professional, but as a human being.
Deeply rooted in family ties and lineage, from generations of ship builders, to merchants, and immigrants; connection to our ocean and winds flow all throughout.
Sailing has led me to an empathetic understanding of our climate crisis, and provided inspiration to devote myself as a student and professional to environmental science. Exploring coasts untouched and blending with the ocean-atmosphere barrier, I’ve developed a drive like no other to fight for our oceans and environments.
This devotion has been constant all along, ebbing with the tides, solid through the capillary waves. sailing has only brought me closer to myself, family, and purpose.
Swimming
My perspective of my swim career has changed all throughout my development. It has grown as an appendage, a second body of expression and intrigue.
Much of my outlook on life has been shaped by lessons learned through swimming. Kindness and self compassion being the primary skills that still serve me today, no matter my proximity to a pool.
Swimming has instilled Olympic standards, from swimming under Olympic level coaches such as Chuck Batchelor, Josh White, and Mike Bottom. Communities such as Blue Fish Swim Club and The University of Michigan Men’s Varsity Swimming and Diving Team have provided a platform for my development like none other.