My main idea is to challenge our society’s consciousness by revealing our value in this world through art. Today, we place so much of our identity in status, social class, social media, circumstance, and just about everything that gives us a reason to think less of ourselves. Therefore, many are often misunderstood and are undervalued. As an artist, it is my responsibility to shift the paradigm of how people are viewed fundamentally. Therefore, a major focus, as part of my art, is to represent people as a clean new slate with an opportunity to create life in people the way God is able to take the emptiness of our lives and fill it with the richness of His glory. Such a new representation in the portrait provides that “second-chance” that society often does not give many. All the presumptions are swept away through a perspective in painting meant to give value to people. Moreover, my oil painting portraits depict under-valued, ostracized, and segregated people in a such a manner to stress their strengths and highlight their virtues. Such a narrative will portray the typically misunderstood subjects in a canvas to convey their hopes and dreams, their pain, and their struggles in a way society never could. The breathtaking portrait, the vibrant colors, and the lively brushstrokes evoke a mood that resonates within all of us. And visually portraying that inner beauty in the way we were meant to be created for all to see helps people remember what is important. It is time to redeem our lost sense of identity.

In a sense, I hope to do with my art what music does to our souls. When good music is heard, the notes bring fond memories, meditative thoughts, and perhaps healing to the human heart. My art of portraying people and their surroundings in a vibrant and loving way hopes to bring remembrance of the immaculate and miraculous condition of life. This realization will help the viewer understand how their fellow neighbor, often misunderstood, is a wonderful creation. This project intends to speak hope to a generation and group of people who have been radically robbed of their sense of value and worth in this world. A value that no one was meant to ever take away.