My work begins long before I start painting. I gather stories from family members, listen to their memories, and search through old photographs, home videos, and photo albums. These materials help me piece together fragments of the past and uncover details that might otherwise be forgotten.
Fabric is an equally important part of my process. I spend time searching for patterns, textures, and materials that connect to the memories I am exploring. Sometimes the fabric references a specific object, place, or time period; other times it evokes a feeling or atmosphere associated with a childhood experience. By incorporating fabric into my work, I create a physical connection between the image and the memory it represents.
As I collect stories and materials, I look for points where personal memory intersects with family history. The final paintings are built from these layered sources, combining photographs, oral histories, and fabric to explore how memories are preserved, transformed, and passed down through generations.
