Artist Statement Within these turbulent times, the need to capture a form or essence of escapism has increased significantly within our world. Regardless, it can be from a sense of awe with familiarity of subjects (personal and more public), displaying a light sense of humor, or exploring mythology and folklore in a more positive aspect. The primary medium within these artworks are done from a range of either colored pencil, graphite, paints, with some mixed media pieces for good measure. Some examples include using both pastels and colored pencil, while others utilize oil paints with Model Magic brand clay. Recently using acrylic paints to develop an even more diverse portfolio in terms of materiality. Biography Born and raised within the rural subdivision of Grottoes, Virginia my interest in art has been with me for my entire existence. An alumni that had graduated from both Fort Defiance High School and Blue Ridge Community College. Within my late elementary school and early middle school life I was accepted to participate in a gifted and talented program called the Governor School, and had a drawing advanced towards the regional section of an art contest,