Artist Statement
I draw the world not as it is but how I wish it could be. I use
symbols, icons, and patterns with cross-cultural significance combined
with color psychology to help soothe, heal, and reinvigorate weary
idealists. Inspired by the lofty mission statements and development
goals used by the world’s top organizations, my images are a call to
action to visualize better outcomes for our lives, communities, and the
planet.
As an American/Portuguese digital artist and animator living in
developing countries over the past seven years, my creative process has
gradually been shaped by a lack of reliable internet connectivity and
frequent power outages. Since 2021, I’ve reconnected with my fine art
roots and now delight in making “slow art” off the grid that requires no
electricity or glowing screens. Each mark placed in a drawing mimics
the stitches that lovingly make up an elaborate quilt or the single
frames that slowly add up to a few minutes of animation.
In my mixed media work, I layer colors, lines, and dots using
fine-tipped ink and watercolor brush pens with dabs of acrylic and
metallic paint on vellum or canvas.
The drawing process is a form of
meditation that enables me to tap into a higher level of consciousness
and rich artistic traditions that are thousands of years old. I’m
especially drawn to the intricate patterns and vibrant colors found in
Asian and African traditional clothing, baskets, ceramics, and local
handicrafts made from raw and natural materials. Western influences
include stained-glass windows as well as the bold dark outlines and
visual framing structures found in cartoons and graphic novels.
A Little Background:
My earlier animations have screened in over 75 international film
festivals earning numerous “Best Animated Short Film” awards including
at Cannes Short Film Festival, Italy International Film Festival, and
Sunscreen Film Festival.
As an educator, I’ve taught at universities on four continents,
including at The American University of Rome, where I co-founded the
Film and Digital Media BFA. From 2016–2019, I taught for universities
and NGOs in Myanmar. When not making fine art, I work as a designer and
educator for the United Nations and international organizations including
WHO, UNICEF, WFP, GIZ, UNDP, UNFPA and create multimedia programs for
students from all walks of life. Former and current students include
refugees, diplomats, undergraduate and graduate students, and those with
no formal education living on under $2 USD a day.
In addition to fine art prints and
original works, I also offer custom, commissioned artwork. You can
learn more about that process on this page. A
portion of proceeds from my site go to support worthy charitable
projects in Malawi and Myanmar. Learn more
.