Material Journey
The materials I use are the foundation of my creative process.
Over the years, I’ve developed my skills and techniques by experimenting with a wide variety of mediums. Each phase of my artistic journey has been defined by a deep connection to the tools and materials I’ve worked with, and I’ve always been driven to explore their potential.
My earliest works were primarily in coloured pencil, where I focused on refining my line work. As my confidence grew, I transitioned to ink, filling up sketchbooks with a sense of purpose. I got an early version of Photoshop and taught myself to draw digitally using a mouse. Without access to any formal training, I was able to learn at my own pace and embraced the potential for creative exploration over the technical limitations of a digital workflow.
Graffiti was another medium that captivated me. The freedom to explore bold colors and dynamic motions was exhilarating. Although I wasn’t drawn to tagging or text-based imagery, I found my style evolving into more illustrative, character-focused designs.
When I began formal art training at Sheridan College’s Art Fundamentals program, I was introduced to a wide array of disciplines and materials. This foundation carried into my studies at OCAD’s illustration program, where I honed my conceptual and technical skills. At the time, my work could best be described as mixed media—tight and precise but lacking the looseness and spontaneity I craved. It wasn’t until my final year, when I took an abstract painting class, that I began to embrace a more chaotic, experimental process. This marked a turning point in my visual identity.
The Painting Journey
My post-school years were defined by experimentation and discovery. Working in a studio environment gave me the freedom to explore without restrictions, surrounded by a diverse group of practicing artists and access to new materials. I began with large-scale oil pastel work on paper before transitioning to oils on canvas. Oil paints fascinated me—their richness of pigment, the range of additives, and the way they could be manipulated with the right brushes and techniques.
I drew inspiration from the scale and motion of graffiti, incorporating those elements into my oil painting process. The tactile satisfaction of pressing a beautifully mixed color onto a canvas became the basis of my workflow. During my studio days, I focused on high-quality materials—large formats, premium paints, and the finest brushes—constantly pushing my practice forward.
When I moved away from the studio, I faced challenges maintaining the same workflow in a smaller apartment space. This transition led me to explore new avenues for my creativity.
Watercolour and Beyond
Watercolour has always intrigued me. My mom painted traditionally with watercolours, but I initially struggled with the medium’s constraints. Over time, I developed my own approach, using watercolour for washes and often adding gouache to salvage overworked areas.
In 2022, I was gifted a set of Beam Paints that reignited my passion for watercolours. The vibrant pigments inspired me to pair them with high-quality brushes and paper, refining my process. As with oils, the quality of materials became essential to achieving the results I envisioned.
Today, my practice balances exploration and craftsmanship. While my workspace has shifted, my curiosity about materials remains constant. Whether I’m experimenting with cyanotype, casting resins, or creating inks, my materials are the driving force behind my need to create