personal identity

I am very aware of the roles society has mapped out for us, the stereotypes we are encouraged to play. I know that below the surface there is a much richer world happening that is suppressed in a large portion of people due to their environment, experiences, and circumstances of birth. My paintings are inspired by the world I created as a child, as well as parts of myself that I keep concealed. I am using photographs from my past and present, and my family’s past as a reference point. I am using the themes of the mask, personal identity, and human psyche. I want to investigate the joy and mystery that is human life.