In Vivere Verum et Flore, I use the human form as a vessel for storytelling, where identity is not something to hide or suppress, but something that evolves and blooms from within. Through oil paintings, video art, and sculpture, I create portraits of individuals who face discrimination—especially those from the transgender community—depicting them as powerful figures whose inner beauty unfurls outward in the form of masks. These masks, made of organic, bioluminescent matter, emerge from the skin, glowing in the dark to symbolize the often unseen strength, grace, and resilience of those who have been marginalized.

 

The masks are not mere coverings; they are transformative and symbolic, capturing the idea that true identity cannot be hidden, only revealed. Inspired by Baroque portraiture, my use of light and shadow brings depth and emotional resonance to these works, emphasizing the strength of the subject as much as the vulnerability of their struggle. The organic, glowing masks—painted with UV-reactive paints—are a direct response to the need for visibility and acknowledgment in a world that often seeks to diminish certain identities.

 

This work is informed not only by my personal experience within the Tulsa arts scene but also by my passion for process-driven art-making. Having spent over 13 years in the local arts community, teaching and creating across various media, I have come to understand that art is not only about the finished piece but about the journey of discovery and transformation. Through sculpture, painting, and video art, I invite viewers to witness the constant, ever-evolving process of self-expression that is a birthright for every individual.

 

I want to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood, allowing the masks they wear to become a celebration of their truth rather than a disguise, much like the blooming of a flower revealing its beauty to the world.