When did you first start making art?
I took my first art class when I was 4. One of the first works I made was an illustration of ladybugs, which my teacher hung up in the classroom. It was important to have that early encouragement from my teacher. My dad still has that illustration in his office!
Is there a narrative in the work above?
I didn’t have a narrative in mind, but I was determined to create something beautiful. My mom interpreted the figure as a debutante about to make her entrance in society. That’s a serious occasion, so maybe she is feeling a bit nervous. In this way, she might be a little bit like me, a young woman making her way in the world.
What was your working process?
First, I sketched the woman using pencil. I primed the canvas using plenty of linseed oil and painted the entire canvas brown to overcome the brightness of it. Then I started painting the woman, taking care to blend in multiple layers of paint. Finally, I arranged the lace, pearls, and yarn before gluing everything in place.
Why did you add lace, pearls, and yarn?
I wanted to create dimension using objects I already owned. I disassembled some beaded necklaces and took the lace from dolls. I’m interested in sustainable alternatives and upcycling. Throughout high school, I created dresses and accessories using plastic, even a ripped-up curtain one time. For me, the material usually ends up inspiring the design.
Do you have advice for aspiring artists?
Keep showing your work. It might take a while to get recognition. But someday, your art will reach someone who really appreciates and understands it.