Artist Statement

My art practice is built on two intertwined elements that inform and support one another. At the core is my studio Department A, which I founded in 2017 and which now houses 20 artists. Leading this space has become central to my motivation as an artist. I also cultivate a garden, which gives me purpose and feeds my creative activities. Building and adapting the space, and finding innovative solutions to practical challenges, feeds and cultivates a fluid artistic practice.

Material preparation is as important to me as the final use of that material. I find a greater value to a painting comes from my connection to the raw materials. Cutting sheet material or priming surfaces is an integral part of the creative process, with the painting already taking shape in the preparation stage. During the pandemic, I became more mindful of the environmental impact of my practice, repurposing offcuts into useable surfaces. This approach seeks to tackle my environmental responsibility but also helps me feel more connected to the resulting art.

My work explores the distance between my lived existence and my ideal state, where I am closer to nature. Forests, and being in the forest, are recurring themes in practice. I use self-made rolls of painted tape to create multiple collections that depict exploratory moments and arrive at composition through slow, explorative actions.

The theme of disconnection is also reflected in my sculptural papered works. The stones I collect have unique characteristics that make them special, and their geological history dates back millions of years. Using Shoji screen paper, which has a rich tradition in Japanese architecture, I create delicate and transformative pieces that invite the viewer to slow down and contemplate. The paper’s light-filtering qualities paired with natural stones create a new perspective on these objects and bring out their individuality.

Overall, my work seeks to honor tradition while exploring new possibilities, with an emphasis on mindful material use and a connection to nature.