February 4th, 1997. Not only was that the day I was born, but the day I began my slow journey into the world of art. I have always been different. I’ve always tried to stray from the path of formats, never following those who were similar. Many folks in Vancouver never really accepted me, or just didn’t knowledge my existence. I suppose that has always helped my work though. From many years of social rejection and just being different, it made me think of who I really was. It makes my art seem real. Gritty tones, rough texture, truly bringing out beauty in the world, that’s how my art is made. As my photography teacher has said “Get in the mind of a crazy person” Clearly, they have a different perception of the world, almost seeing this unhidden beauty that most people cannot see. My family has always had the knack for seeing that unhidden beauty in things. Are we crazy? Most likely.

Art in general has always been a passion of mine. I don’t know where I would be without it, honestly. Art has been one of those things that have got me though some tough times. It lets you express yourself in a language that no actual words can. Music has been my biggest passion (more specifically) it’s one of those things that everyone can speak, whether it’s keeping a steady beat on the table, or on stage in front of thousands of people. Now while not all of my work has incorporated music (such as instruments, movement from music, etc) I do try and bring some into my photography. Even listening to music in the background has affected my work, mainly from changing my mood to just making my job just a little bit better.

I would have to say one of my biggest inspirations is my family. All of them have supported me on my ideas, no matter how crazy they may seem. They have taken me on adventures that no ordinary person could do. They certainly do mean a lot to me. They’re the family that still loves and supports you no matter how many times you mess up, and that’s something anyone could appreciate. The amount of times I have fallen on my face, just to have them right by my side to pick me up, and brush me off.

As I said before, my art is made by bringing out the true beauty in the world. I tend to bring out experiences that have actually happened to me, just to make my art more real.

Basically, if you want to know the base of my work, it’s been from me just growing up, and being as real as possible. Don’t let anyone change your mind; don’t let people’s opinions ever change you. You know who YOU are.