Artist Statement 

Genesis 1:26 “Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image after our likeness”.

In 2023 I took a sculpture class at Cecil College. Our first project was taking found objects and making something out of it. I made a tin-can man with a decorative apple as a head, and one in his hand. I looked at it, and it felt so forlorn. The inspiration had been William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, so the melancholia was inherent. But still, it seemed to be asking me “why?”. Why create such a melancholic piece? I could’ve made anything and I made something overlooking its own mortality. It made me think about my own creation and life. I have suffered, and sorrowed, and survived. Why would God have created me to live that life?

And it hit me, staring at this little apple-headed Hamlet. He was beautiful. I created him out of love and for love, despite his suffering. I had a desire in my heart and he fulfilled it. And maybe that was how God felt for me. He created me purposefully. Not just on a whim, but with purpose and for a purpose. God had chosen to create me. 

It took some time for this realization to affect my art. I continued making art for my classes, and to earn a good grade. But for many of these pieces, I didn’t have a reason for making them, and that showed. In contrast, when I poured love and thought into the art, it was more successful and always something I was proud of. Even when it was sad, or difficult, or happy, it was purposeful and loved. So I overcame doubt and confusion. I decided to create as a way to praise and glorify God. Through this, I found myself growing as an artist, along with growing into a space of deep trust in God’s love. And I discovered that creating for God was what mattered to me, more than grades, or impressing others, or fitting perceptions of me. 

Over the past few months, I’ve found deep inspiration from my peers and also the artists who came before me. Because of the influence and advice from my classmates, local artists, and professor, I’ve found real comfort in making art for myself and God alone. I’ve worked to find a style I prefer, and methodology that works for me. I’ve come to the realization that creating for other people’s expectations will only discourage me. My art is an extension and reflection of myself, and forcing it to be anything else is foolish. 

I create, because I was created. I make art to be an inspiration and encouragement. I try to make art that is true and beautiful, even when it deals with difficult topics. Above all, I make art that reveals the faith, hope, and love that is the compass for my life.