TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

I am an artist who primarily works with monochromatic themes. Although I am an artist, I have an academic background in computer science. For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to the creative side of things, and I am passionate about expressing ideas on paper. It is my hope to share ideas with people that show just how interesting life can be.

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR CRAFT

Honestly, I can say I was doing this for a long time before truly discovering what it was I was doing. This goes way back to when I was about six years old. One evening, just like any other, I was asked by the secretary of my church to create a portrait for the office. I still remember how it felt for the first time to have a crowd appreciate my work. That experience made me more conscious of my art, and I can say that I “discovered” my craft at that point. Fast forward nineteen years later—after countless hours of practice and a portfolio in hyperrealism—I decided to experiment with ink and acrylic, and it was a game-changer! So, I stuck with it.

WHAT INSPIRED YOUR STYLE OF USING INK & ACRYLIC

I like to think of myself as someone who experiments a lot. You know, it takes one to inspire one. I find works by artists such as Ioana Pioaru and Frank Booth deeply moving, especially their incredible control of lines. As for acrylic, it’s like the icing on the cake 🙂.

WHAT IS YOUR TYPICAL PROCESS WHEN STARTING A NEW PIECE

The process usually goes two ways. In one instance, I could already have the entire narrative, title, and details of the work before I even start making physical markings. On the other hand, sometimes the image is created first, and then the story follows. But in both cases, I try to keep the planning minimal so I don’t exhaust myself emotionally before beginning the physical work.

WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING PIECE YOU’VE WORKED ON

Out of Sight: It was created during my early days of working with ink. Being one of my first ink works, it felt particularly difficult and taught me much.

WHAT ARE YOUR CHALLENGES AS A CREATIVE

The challenges I face as an artist are not uncommon to others in this field. One major issue is how people increasingly appreciate digital views and copies over original, physical works displayed in galleries. However, the most pressing challenge for me is the growing risk of infringement and misuse of my artworks due to advancing technology.

WHAT WAS A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AS AN ARTIST

The challenges I face as an artist are not uncommon to others in this field. One major issue is how people increasingly appreciate digital views and copies over original, physical works displayed in galleries. However, the most pressing challenge for me is the growing risk of infringement and misuse of my artworks due to advancing technology.

HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR SOCIETY AFFECTS YOUR INDUSTRY

Society plays a crucial role in the arts. Originally, the idea was for artists to be responsible for the truth. However, popular culture has, in some ways, infiltrated the artistic spirit, leading to diluted works and stories. Despite this, I firmly believe that authenticity and genuineness will always prevail.

WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BEING AN ARTIST

Yes! I love this question. For me, it’s always a new and incredible feeling when people share with me the stories and emotions that my works evoke, especially during exhibitions. Getting to share in their personal experiences is truly rewarding.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE FEEL OR TAKE AWAY WHEN THEY VIEW YOUR WORK

I hope that every time someone encounters my work, they have a fresh, new experience. I want my art to bring buried feelings and emotions to life for the better. Ultimately, I wish my audience would gain a broader, more beautiful perspective on life through the works I create.