Inspiration Statement

Astonished is a collection that embodies the unexpected, an overpowering sense of surprise, and the wonder that can be found in everyday moments. This body of work draws partial inspiration from the profound advice of poet Mary Oliver: “Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” With this collection, I invite you to engage in mindfulness and share your awe with those around you.

My art practice encourages me to focus on what excites and amazes me, drawing deeply from the natural beauty and simple pleasures of daily life. Each piece in Astonished was painted to express my wonder at the natural world, informed by flowers that hold a special significance in my life. These floral elements are abstracted, allowing me to incorporate shapes, marks, and textures that convey my deepest emotions and the joy of being human.

Created with acrylic and enhanced by collage work, this collection is vibrant, textured, and filled with lively brushstrokes and expressive mark-making. Each painting is a testament to its process, evolving layer by layer, with each stage informing the next until completion. If you look closely, you will see fragments of each iteration—echoes of the journey that brought the piece to life. For me, art is not a destination but an ongoing exploration, an unfolding journey.