The tenderness of painting vignettes from my Grandparents’ house propelled a visual exploration of how we assign sentimental value to objects and ways I connect to nostalgia through the lens of observing my own children. It is a contemplative visualization of the passage of time paired with the sorrow of never being able to return. There can be comfort in knowing that grief is measured by a love that lives within and can surface in memories.
Shades of Revlon, oil on canvas
Several reference photos I studied were taken the day my Grandmother passed away. I wanted to document the cosmetics that made up her daily routine and what made her feel beautiful. These elements, combined with being part of her overall essence, explore the connection between scent, emotion, color, and memory. The painting of my Grandfather’s desk symbolizes the universal struggle to find a balance between work and life, illustrated by the reflection of a map surrounding his calculator.
Poppa’s Desk, oil on canvas
The medium reflects months of practicing color-mixing recipes with oil paint. It marks an evolution within myself as an artist who previously relied on intuitive approaches to mixing color. As a career artist and mother, I have worked primarily in acrylic paint for the past decade to accommodate efficient time management. It was refreshing to get reacquainted with the temperament of oil paint in my current stage of life. The richness in the buttery layers of oil paint creates the desired warmth and an engaging process to practice patience in my craft.