VIVERE VERUM ET FLORE
In this series, my art explores the intersection of identity, discrimination, and inner beauty through a collection of oil portraits, video projections, and sculptures. This body of work focuses on marginalized individuals, particularly those in the transgender community, who face societal prejudice and discrimination. The subjects of my work are depicted as strong, resilient figures, their identities not hidden but revealed in a transformative way, akin to human flowers blooming from the soil of their experiences. Each portrait features a person adorned with a mask—an organic, living extension of their own skin. Rather than concealing or distorting their face, these masks emerge from the subjects’ flesh, symbolizing a fusion of identity and self-expression, much like petals unfolding to reveal their vibrancy. Made from organic matter, these masks are luminous and inspired by bioluminescence, painted with UV-reactive paints that glow under black light. They represent the inner beauty and strength of the subject that society often overlooks or rejects, celebrating their blossoming identities. The influence of Baroque portraiture is evident in the grandeur and intensity of the compositions. Rich in detail, light, and shadow, the paintings highlight the emotional depth and complexity of these individuals, elevating them beyond mere representation to statements of empowerment. The use of light—both natural and artificial—is crucial, with the glowing masks acting as beacons of visibility and hope amidst a world that often seeks to silence or marginalize. In addition to the oil paintings, video projections and sculptures within the exhibit provide a dynamic exploration of the themes of transformation and visibility. The projections delve into the fluidity of identity, while the sculptures amplify the physicality of the masks, capturing their essence in three dimensions and emphasizing their botanical metaphor. This series invites viewers to see beyond the surface and confront the realities of discrimination, celebrating the inner beauty, resilience, and truth of those who are too often overlooked. As an artist, my work has always been deeply rooted in the exploration of identity, transformation, and visibility—particularly in the context of marginalized communities. I seek to challenge the boundaries of representation, to show the humanity of those often misunderstood or ignored, and to elevate the complexities of the self that society might attempt to diminish. In my current series, I use the human form as a vessel for storytelling, where identity is not something to hide or suppress, but something that evolves and blooms from within. Through oil paintings, video art, and sculpture, I create portraits of individuals who face discrimination—especially those from the transgender community—depicting them as powerful figures whose inner beauty unfurls outward in the form of masks. These masks, made of organic, bioluminescent matter, emerge from the skin, glowing in the dark to symbolize the often unseen strength, grace, and resilience of those who have been marginalized. The masks are not mere coverings; they are transformative and symbolic, capturing the idea that true identity cannot be hidden, only revealed. Inspired by Baroque portraiture, my use of light and shadow brings depth and emotional resonance to these works, emphasizing the strength of the subject as much as the vulnerability of their struggle. The organic, glowing masks—painted with UV-reactive paints—are a direct response to the need for visibility and acknowledgment in a world that often seeks to diminish certain identities. This work is informed not only by my personal experience within the Tulsa arts scene but also by my passion for process-driven art-making. Having spent over 13 years in the local arts community, teaching and creating across various media, I have come to understand that art is not only about the finished piece but about the journey of discovery and transformation. Through sculpture, painting, and video art, I invite viewers to witness the constant, ever-evolving process of self-expression that is a birthright for every individual. I want to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood, allowing the masks they wear to become a celebration of their truth rather than a disguise, much like the blooming of a flower revealing its beauty to the world.
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