Artivism [Art + Activism]

There are two states where I feel like my truest self: when immersed in nature, and when making art. To me, the meditative and restoring qualities of going on a hike or creating a new painting are one and the same—when I feel most connected to the world around me. Nature is often my outlet when I feel overwhelmed, uncertain, lost, or confused, and art is my way of navigating the questions in my mind to manifest the answers in physical form. I found my niche when I began to combine my love of art and nature with my curiosity for indigenous tribal tattooing. I realized that by creating work that resonated with me individually, I incidentally create work that speaks to whole movements and communities.

Today, my practice simultaneously highlights indigenous arts to deepen cultural understanding, and advocates for the environmental movement by using materials that pay homage to preservation. I hope that my work becomes a little piece of happiness, inspiration, and action for fellow artivists.