My work explores the fragile boundary between the natural world and human civilization. I make realistic animal portraits and then disrupt them by covering them over in expressive abstract marks.

I’m fascinated by how animals seem to exist in a world entirely separate from our own—experiencing things through senses that are vastly different from ours. This mystery draws me in, compelling me to capture not just their likeness, but the unknowable essence of their existence. My connection to animals isn’t just observational; it’s deeply personal. The relationships I’ve shared with animals throughout my life have shaped how I think and feel about the natural world. These bonds inspire me to delve into the emotional lives of wild creatures: the connections they form, the ways they perceive their surroundings, and how they experience joy, fear, or companionship. Through my work, I seek to bridge that gap in understanding and invite viewers to reflect on the rich, complex lives of the beings we share our planet with.

My mark making is inspired by the urban environments I have called home. Originally from Houston, I find the vibrant, well-worn character of the city intriguing. Elements such as graffiti, weathered walls, bright lights, and urban decay inform my work appearing as textured layers and vivid abstract marks. This destructive layer adds character while simultaneously erasing what once was—creating something new that can’t be undone. The final result serves as an allegory for the complex but crumbling relationship between humanity and the natural environment.

At the heart of my work is a deep concern for the climate and extinction crises. Many of the animals I portray are species I have cherished since childhood, and the thought of their disappearance is devastating. Each piece becomes a reflection of that potential loss—a tribute to beauty at risk of erasure. Through direct, even confrontational portraits, I challenge viewers to truly see these animals not as distant symbols of a vanishing world, but as vibrant, living beings that share our planet.

In creating my work, I experience both wonder and grief as I contemplate the delicate balance between survival and destruction in our modern world. While my art reflects the gravity of what is at stake, it also celebrates the enduring resilience and beauty of life. With this deliberate juxtaposition of fragility and strength, I hope to inspire reflection and a renewed sense of responsibility toward the natural world by offering a thread of connection back to the spirit of the animal.