ARTIST STATEMENT

It’s an interesting conundrum to paint that which you both love and hate. My work explores not only the indescribable affection I have towards fairytales, but also the reasons I find these stories so repulsive.

Fairytale literature – both original European and contemporary American versions –resonates deep within my heart and mind. These stories are as real to me as the paintbrush in my hand, and painting these ethereal landscapes closes the gap between the fairy world and mine. As I paint, the rest of New York City falls away, and everything is calm and beautiful. 

My paintings also sharply criticize the sexist, discriminatory tones that plague the original versions. Classic fairytales are no longer applicable to the world we live in; my new project is to write and illustrate a contemporary collection that celebrates the magic of diversity and empowers both girls and boys to be ambitious, brave, and loving.