Laguna College of Art + Design

My work defines and explores the concept of floral life-cycles as a metaphor for

human existence. I draw inspiration from my personal garden, which I cultivate for research

purposes, as well as other natural spaces. This closeness to floral life-cycles allows the

concept to continuously permeate my thoughts. I refer to the vanitas paintings of Renaissance

Holland, the tradition of floral symbology, as well as a study of environmental forces. To

develop this thesis, I have performed research in the form of plein air painting and

photography at myriad gardens and natural settings. I also employ the photographic

technique of digital image manipulation for research and idea gathering purposes. I then

build my concepts on large scale canvasses in order for the viewer to interact more intimately

with the floral narratives I create. The centrality of flowers to my art has presented me with

an artistic struggle, as flowers are often thought of as trite objects of beauty rather than

critical objects. However, as I explore through my art, the transitory nature of flowers is quite

reflective of our lives and modern cultural values