Artist Statement: I am an abstract expressionist painter, and my practice and philosophy in my art are to be transparent in a way that reaches beyond vocab. I believe being playful and non-literal in my art makes my audience/ viewer curious, excited, and explorative. This year I thought I would capitalize on my eye-opening experience this past summer. As a spontaneous trip, I flew out to the West and drove back across the country with some of my loved ones. I was so moved by the sights and emotions I felt during this trip that I felt compelled and inspired to do this type of art. It transcends the personal journey I made going out west this summer. Every design, paint stroke, and color choice is a direct connection to my thoughts, feelings, and memories of my journey. I feel there is great importance in displaying the truth and my emotional experience on the canvas. My use of color and collage allows me to create pieces of art that I can enjoy. As well as using direct correlation with photographs and memories I have from my journey out west.