I used to believe self-portraiture was radical. Within the practice an artist can attempt to craft some vision of themselves, addressing any question, observation, or inconsistency. In a society where the dominant social narrative seeks to define or categorize people, defining oneself through art feels subversive. Until recently my art has been chiefly concerned with the investigation of identity, race, and politics. Since graduating from college my motivations for drawing self-portraits during my school days feel a bit overly serious. I appreciate art's ability to reflect the intensity of emotion, but sometimes there is a need to make and view art from a relaxed and open perspective. Approaching the process with a serious attitude can be helpful, but the desire to make something perfect can lead to inaction. Rather than making one grand effort, it is better that you Don't Crush It, and allow each consistent attempt to build. This show is a display of my journey through self-portraiture. Combining works from my undergraduate years with my more recent drawings and print,s I hope this show recognizes the importance of examiningidentity andf emotional detachment in the artistic process. From detachment is the potential for newfound confidence. For this show, old drawings have gained new life, a new technique using acrylic paint markers is making its debut, and new expressions drawn on newsprint have been translated into relief prints. 

I work in various media, including Drawing, Sculpture, Photography, Relief Printing, Poetry, and painting.