Multimedia Artwork Inspired by the Pacific Northwest

I am deeply inspired by the lush forests and natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest. My creative process often begins with a sense of escapism. Growing up as a child, I often found myself dreaming of hidden pockets of nature that I could escape into, along sunny meadows, mossy trees or a quiet creek. This desire for an escape into immersive worlds is what shapes how I approach my artwork. I primarily work with acrylic and gouache paints to create the small details of natural subjects, but recently I have been enamored with the tactility of clay. With this medium, I can build new dimensions of the worlds I come up with through coil building and carving techniques. 

My work is also shaped by my identity as a queer Ukrainian American, first in my family to be born in the United States. Being a part of the slavic immigrant community, it was difficult to find my place as a queer person. Through my artwork, I long to explore themes related to both parts of my identity, unifying them in hopes that I can help others find comfort in embracing all parts of themselves.