I am a student at Monterey High who enjoys creating art at the Youth Arts Collective during my free time.

As a realist painter, making my paintings lifelike by replicating what I see brings me a great amount of comfort and joy. I often paint with oil or watercolor, but I also enjoy gathering materials from nature to transform into artistic creations. I prefer to paint from pictures I have taken that include elements from nature or personal memories. I also love painting or sculpting other people’s pets from clay because I love animals and want owners to feel close to their pets through my art. My goal is to make viewers feel as though they are submerged in nature’s beauty or reminded of their own memories when looking at my art. The principal themes I explore in my work include grief, nature, and nostalgia.

Two years ago my dad passed away from cancer and I started creating paintings of him. Converting his memories into realistic paintings has been therapeutic for me through the grieving process.

This particular piece I have in the show is of a memory of my dad, my younger brother, and myself from several years ago. While exploring this river, my dad picked up a rock to reveal a small water snake to my brother (on the right) and me (on the left). My dad’s extended arm leads the viewer’s eye to the rock he holds, which symbolizes the everlasting knowledge and sense of curiosity that he has gifted me.

This piece portrays one of the many fond memories I have of my dad who has helped me to become the creative and curious person I am today.