My Mother and Her Sisters, My Brother and His Friends

Forms, shapes, figures of men, women, beasts and spirits. These are the things that have caught my curiosity lately.

Ultramarine is a sacred color to me and to many others throughout history. Its a color reserved for only the holiest of beings. Its also just an amazing pigment.

It has a beautiful crackle when it dries and can be built up to be so strong. I love pairing this with a earthy red-orange. The complimentary colors intensify each other. I find that with an orangey background, the blue is so vibrant and alive. Making it perfect for capturing this subject.

The subject in question could be anyone I suppose. To me, they represent a lot of people. They represent those around me. The ones I look up to, the ones I don't know by my side protecting me, family, friends, spirits, and auras. Just beings who are sacred and united. Strong and standing tall.

Whoever they are, these shapes make me feel as if they share a strong bond with one another and are heading in the same direction literally and in purpose.

Unity is something I talk a lot about in my art. There is something so beautiful and comforting to me about being with the people who love you the most and who stand with you even beyond the end.

The first painting feels masculine. After I painted this and pondered about who these figures are to me, it reminded me of my brother ands friends.

In the beginning of my life, I was really only close with my brother. He is someone that I know stands with me always. Unlike me, he's a bit of a social butterfly and is always found with groups of people - people he shares good connections and closeness to. He chooses good friends who stand with him. By extension they've stood by me as well. His connections made me more connected.

The second painting is my mother and her sisters. The women from my mothers side are many and a joyous people. They tell stories and laugh loudly with tears, unable to finish a joke. Age mattered little. Mother, niece, daughter, cousin, all acted and felt like sisters when together. These women never fail to bring light and joy wherever they are in the world and whoever they are with. Although I don't know many of them well, I feel a unique closeness to them and already celebrate the day we are all together at once.