3 Things I Drew for You

They say the best way to see the progress in your craft is to document your journey. But it’s so painfully vulnerable to look at the beginning stages of your work. I cringe at all my first creations in any discipline. Yet I want to improve and I want to share some of the behind-the-scenes of how I was feeling when I created these pieces. So, that in the future I can look back on the past versions of myself and hopefully some of you will relate to the work along the way.

“I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart.”

- Vincent Van Gogh

Practicing Brain Washing

Ironically I started this piece with my girlfriend in mind. I wanted to make something for her to remind her how much I cared when we were going through conflict. I had planned on putting some words on the TV along the lines of “Love Me,” but I couldn’t get it to align in a way that made my brain click in satisfaction. I wanted to include things that brought me comfort, TV, plants, and the sunlight flowing in from the window.

I used warm, bordering-hot colors on the walls and the TV to create a cozy but also intangible off-putting energy. The sunlight filtering inside is red, taking normally comforting feelings to their most extreme. Internally I had a bittersweet feeling, seeing the hope for the potential future of my relationship, but struggling with the current circumstances. The melancholic room is meant to symbolize my own mind and my desire to force my girlfriend to see my intentions and love without having to communicate them.

“If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.”

-Edward Hopper

Man Eater

I love playing with the concept of monsters in art. Man Eater is meant to be a playful light-hearted illustration. I’ve always found confident women who make you feel as if you’re being devoured so intimidating and creatively stimulating. Almost all of my characters are women, attempting to show the complexities of femininity, and pay homage to one of my most special muses.

Built to Spill

You never know what will appeal to someone. The art that makes me stop in my tracks and stare in amazement, probably wouldn’t even catch your attention. I named this illustration after an old band tee I found once, rummaging through the thrift store bins. For some reason it makes my shoulders relax when I look at it.

The object of art is not to reproduce reality, but to create a reality of the same intensity.”

-Alberto Giacometti

I avoid natural skin colors when I can to help people feel like they’re stepping into a different universe, separate from all the stressors of this one. I drew this with the hope of evoking a calming feeling. I draw a lot of inspiration from @oldsweaty on Instagram. I love his ability to give me bite-sized moments of peace in simple doodles. Sometimes my intention isn’t to say anything profound but just to share in hopes it resonates with someone.

My ultimate goal is make others feel something. I hope one of these had that effect on you.