Artist Statement

Presence and Detachment:

My work centers on the subtle tension between presence and detachment. I am fascinated by the feeling of being physically present, perhaps seated in a cozy bar, looking out a window, or standing in a room, yet somehow not truly part of the scene unfolding before me. This sense of being “pretty much there but not part of it” is a recurring theme in my paintings.

Through my art, I seek to capture the experience of the observer: someone who exists within society, sharing the same space and time, but who remains emotionally or socially disconnected. The observer is present, witnessing the warmth and intimacy of a moment, but is not allowed or able to join in. This detachment is, for me, a reflection of the subtle isolation that modern society can create, where connection is elusive even in shared spaces.

Light, Shadow, and the Unseen:

By using the interplay of light and shadow, I frame these moments of quiet observation. The glow from within a room, the silhouettes of people engaged in their own worlds, and the view from just outside or at the edge of a gathering, all serve to highlight the beauty and melancholy of being an outsider looking in. My paintings invite viewers to inhabit this space of contemplation, to feel both the comfort of presence and the ache of separation.

Ultimately, my art is an invitation to reflect on our own experiences of connection and detachment. It is about finding meaning in the act of observing, and recognizing the complex emotions that come with being present, yet apart.