I grew up in Pebble Beach, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Monterey Bay, and to this day, I carry a deep fondness for this coastal ecosystem. My earliest memories are filled with visits to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, adventures in tide pools, and walks along the many local beaches in search of beautiful rocks and shells.

Among all the treasures the beach has to offer, abalone shells hold a particularly special place in my heart. As a child, discovering one of these iridescent shells felt like uncovering a hidden treasure, a moment of pure excitement and fascination.

As I develop as an artist, painting is a relatively new medium for me. I’ve worked digitally for two years, and this piece is one of my first experiments with acrylics. My painting “Bait” pays homage to my childhood, and seeks to emulate the wonder I felt peering into these incredible shells as a kid.