There is this quote by Gerhard Richter, a painter I admire, that has really resonated with me and it says, “To be alive is to engage in a daily struggle for form and for survival.” To me, this quote effectively encompasses why I am an artist and what topics and subject matter I like to explore in my work.

Over the past few years, I’ve often found myself reflecting on how much I have changed and what this means about who I want to become. Since my work is informed by my state of mind and my life experiences, I’ve begun to explore concepts surrounding the fluidity of our existence and how much we change throughout our lives as, like I mentioned, I've been reflecting on my personal growth and change.

In order to encompass these thoughts, as an oil painter, I like to work on surfaces like metal because this unique combination of medium and substrate serves as a metaphor for the ephemerality of human life. As time passes the oil paint undergoes oxidation, and unlike on canvas or other absorbent substrates, the painting may not last because it cannot adhere to the metal. I find that the uncertainty of this transformation mirrors the ever-changing aspects of our lives.

Through my art, I strive to capture the complexity of this constant “struggle for form and survival,” inviting viewers to contemplate the profound and dynamic nature of the human experience. I also feel that it would be remiss of me as an artist, whose job is to inspire conversation, to not discuss social norms and larger, more politicized topics. In my opinion, if I am to explore human nature it is also important for me to highlight aspects of our society or history that need to be advocated for or corrected.

Some people who have heavily influenced me as a painter are, as I mentioned, Gerhard Richter, Rene Magritte, and my grandfather, Christopher Schink. I draw stylistically from both Richter and Magritte as I find myself drawn to the smooth, airy quality of their work. I also find a lot of my passion and drive to be a successful painter comes from my grandfather, Toph, who is a watercolor painter himself. I grew up painting with him and he was the first to give me a palette, paints, brushes, and even a fancy folding easel (which is definitely what it’s actually called) when I was eight. He’s always been in my corner supporting and inspiring me to experiment and explore when I paint. He also taught me through frequent visits and long hours in the studio how painting can connect people and for that, I will always be grateful.

So in summary, I want to become a professional painter or possibly a conservator (who restores old artwork) so I can share my art with others and so they can experience what it feels like to be seen, just like how my grandfather taught me. 

My Artist Statement