Perplexed by the surrealist movement and inspired by Magritte’s body of work, I explored the world of surrealism through juxtaposition. Juxtaposing objects rarely seen in the same lens, I produced my own contemporary surrealist world. I took paint and canvas beyond two dimensions by sewing on a fork, knife and spoon into my piece and painted shadows behind them to press the boundaries of a 2-D space. Working with a still-life subject, I combined my own style with techniques of the surrealist movement to create a new perspective.

Inspired by the quote, “Crumbing ruins, far from what we know, hold something of our past. Take whatever you can-hold it close. Don’t lose it to time again.” Initially, I considered the concepts of preservation, development, growth, memories and family history. Taking the “tree of life” concept one step further, I explored how to best include the “crumbling ruins” in my piece. I incorporated two arms into my image, outstretched as if to collect pieces of the collapsing tree. Next, I added a three-dimensional element, extending off the palm of the figure’s hand. Here the two hands attempt to catch the pieces of the fragmented memories and ruins of the figure’s ancestral past.

Working with a still life subject, I used my own style and interest in the surrealist movement to create a new perspective on a still life.

Playing with precise color and mixing techniques, I abstracted Edward Hopper’s “Western Motel” into a pixelated depiction of the original piece.

While visiting the natural history museum, a gila monster caught my eye. Fascinated by a reptile I had never seen before, I came to know this creature through observation, drawing and painting.