ARTIST STATEMENT:

The visual fine arts (and fine art in general) provide outstanding and unprecedented modes for human expression. Through different forms of representation, artists can explore various concepts and emotions of human life. In order for an Artist to be successful they must be able to express their views/messages in a manner to which their intended audience can relate. As art is an expression of humanity, and humanistic ideals, its message or theme should not be exclusive to elitists or only certain groups of people. While art should attempt to be accessible to a broad range of people, it should not sacrifice its fundamental nature to do this. By this I mean that art sholdn't need to be "dumbed down" for others to relate with or appreciate the work.

Throughout my 3 years of study at the Univeristy of Calgary (Fine Arts program), my art focused on my education and experiences at school. Being from Vancouver, my art generally shows a link to Vancouver. I comment on the division of my family and friends in the different cities by combining different medium and methods of representation in the same piece. I've found a profound reaction in the fusion of traditional medium (such as oil paint) with permanent markers and spray paint, more non-traditional medium.

As an art student I felt that I should include themes related to my elective studies. I found powerful themes stemming from various history, political science, and archaeology courses that i have taken/ am taking. This has helped produce some of my strongest works, commenting on issues like slavery and inequality in North American history and present day society. I Integrated street culture (skateboard art, graffiti, etc.) with global/political messages in drawings and paintings done on broken skateboards or large wood boards (i dare say murals?). Through my enthusiasm and interest in these topics and cultures, my inner views are expressed both consciously and subliminally.

Taking courses of interest acts as a great resource for furthering my own artistic style and content. I feel that art is an outstanding expression of humanity, therefore; I must strive to learn as many aspects of human life in order to tie them into my art.