ARTIST FEATURE:

What was the moment you realized you wanted to pursue art as a career, and how has that initial spark evolved over time?

During COVID, I turned to drawing as a therapeutic way to pass the time and process everything that was happening around me. Once I started sharing my drawings with friends and family, and on my social media, I realized that there was a genuine interest in my work and that this personal practice could potentially grow into something larger. That encouragement made me realize that art could be more than a private outlet and that it could become a career. Since 2020, that initial spark has evolved into a dedicated practice as a full-time artist.

What aspects of Artist Project helped you refine your approach to presenting your work and engaging with audiences?

Artist Project was a chance to see my drawings through other people’s eyes for the first time, and I loved hearing their observations and reactions. It taught me a lot about how to share the ideas behind my work more clearly, and made me realize just how much things like framing, scale, and installation can change the way someone connects with a piece.

How did your artistic voice develop during your years at Artist Project, and how has it evolved with gallery representation?

Each year, I experimented with new work and its presentation, paying close attention to how people responded to every detail. That process helped me build confidence in my voice, and with gallery representation, it has grown even more refined, guided by the insight and support of the team at Olga Korper Gallery.

What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist today?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is seeing my drawings create moments of connection with viewers. From afar, their photographic quality can evoke nostalgia, while up close the charcoal marks reveal the intimacy of touch. To make something deeply personal and watch it resonate with others feels like a true privilege.

What advice would you give to artists exhibiting at Artist Project 2026?

Be thoughtful about how you present your work. If you work on paper, framing can be as important as the art itself so be sure to display your pieces in a professional way while still being open to experimentation. Having conversations with viewers about your art can be unexpectedly insightful. Most importantly, have fun, enjoy the conversations and connections; the relationships you build at Artist Project can shape your career in meaningful and surprising ways.