Artist Statement

In an age where technology and AI are taking over many industries, I continue to find myself drawn to classical art-making traditions. Ever since I was young, I have been captivated by the secrets hidden within the mark-making of the old master artists. I would dig deep into art history books and be heavily obsessed with the minutiae of classical art techniques derived from Europe from the 16th to the 20th century. I would often question myself and ask, how did these classical master artists capture the physics of light and form so accurately without using references? How did they use the dramatization of color and light to their advantage? What compelled these artists to construct these mind-boggling compositions? The lineages of European atelier workshops and classical drawing techniques ultimately inspired my art practice. My art practice is also shaped by mastering the fundamentals of art. The basis of mastering time-tested techniques and fundamentals of art will ultimately lead me to create anything I want. Making art is another extended form of communication. As such, I look up to representational artists and professional illustrators as sources of artistic inspiration who best exemplify a message by visually communicating their art. I've taken the contemporary likes of Stephen Bauman, Jeffrey Watts, and Devin Cecil-Wishing for their realistic capture of anatomical landmarks and lighting dynamics into their subject matter while sticking to traditional art practice methods. Secondly, I admire modern digital artists and painters such as Hillary Jane, Loish, and Ergo Josh for their illustrative renditions of contemporary pop culture. My art process involves rigorous studying of the fundamentals, emphasizing artistic anatomy and lighting principles. I practice these concepts extensively to understand better and replicate what I see in real life. Later, I would create illustrative projects compiled from my previous discoveries to demonstrate mastery of essential concepts. I use traditional media, mixed media, and digital art techniques. As a practicing artist, I am drawn as an outsider coming into the world of rigorous atelier art training. I aim to compile a collection of my life's works by demonstrating mastery of the art fundamentals. I strive to be a lifelong art learner.  I create art based on subject matters and pop cultural influences that motivate me. Subjects such as the counterculture movement, fashion, beauty, and music inspire me to make art.  I also dedicate my art practice to paying homage to previous master artists by incorporating atelier training techniques in extensive portrait and figure studies. I believe my art will progressively change to different subject matter and topics as time goes on, depending on external factors.  As my journey progresses, I will highlight my growth and obstacles as a practicing artist. I would love my artwork to someday evoke positive emotions for my viewers and, more importantly, to inspire the next generation of artists.