Artist Statement

In my work I use queer joy as a means of discovery and a grounding for my artistic practice. By following what brings me joy, I began painting overlooked plants in public spaces: from tomatoes growing in a tree bed to flowers on the subway and in empty lots. As a queer disabled artist, I notice and appreciate these plants for their ability to thrive and create beauty on the margins. These plants echo my own experience and queer life in general, where queer communities are required to carve out spaces to create joy together.

As I’ve followed this subject matter, my practice has been influenced by the subjects and mode of attention. I paint on mostly secondhand canvas I collect from the street or create from reclaimed materials, tying the physical object to my on-the-street subjects. When painting these plants, I render the subject in detail and keep the background broad to elevate and honor the subject. This portraiture approach draws viewers’ attention to the subject, mirroring my own. Lastly, the practice of looking for and reflecting on these subjects reinforces a slower, more attentive way of life.

In the future, I expect to find new subjects through the same act of noticing. At a recent residency in Guatemala, I found my attention pulled beyond plants to street dogs playing in the waves and the joyful colors of local architecture. As my practice continues to grow, I will follow where queer joy leads me.