In my work, I embrace the Japanese aesthetic of Sabi, finding beauty in the imperfections and impermanence of everyday life. It is Inspired by the Buddhist concept that nothing is permanent. Instead of seeing it in nature, I seek out the worn, weathered, and aged beauty in urban settings, combining drawings, paintings, and collages with found objects to reveal the hidden stories of our surroundings.

I merge opposing elements, the old and withered, the rich and elegant, to revitalize the world and capture the essence of a moment in time. In my paintings, I bring the spirits of a place and utilize the ancient Japanese belief that everything has a spirit, as my grandmother taught me. These creatures have unique personalities and reveal the hidden life beneath the surface of seemingly quiet places. My recent drawing series, inspired by Jane Jacob’s The Death and Life of Great American Cities, focuses on the unique attributes of individual NYC city blocks. I connect with her philosophy on the conditions of city diversity, identifying what is essential to creating a vibrant urban life. I capture the essence of diversity in the city and how everyone has a sense of belonging and can be themselves. I dip myself in each location, collecting materials, stories, and taking photos, and conversations with locals. By leaving some of my drawings incomplete, I encourage viewers to fill in the gaps, creating their interpretations and connections to the place.

Through my work, I celebrate imperfection and impermanence, embracing the constant change that surrounds us. I invite the viewer to slow down to appreciate our daily lives and find the beauty and meaning in unexpected places.