My current series is about violence in schools and is informed by the five years I spent teaching. These paintings are typically self-portraits based on specific events that affected me and illuminate the violence prevalent in education while allowing me to process my experiences. 

 

Between school shootings and gender inequality, it is difficult for schools to be what they should be: an equalizing, safe place where children can learn. 

 

Most of these paintings are small works created with gouache on paper to create a sense of intimacy. Fantastical colors and settings employ a sense of dissonance that is more effective than directly painting violent scenes. 

 

In order to provide additional context, I have also begun painting on nontraditional papers such as notebook paper or children’s books commonly found in classrooms. Additionally, repurposing these materials evokes a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. 

 

In a departure from this scale and materiality, my recently started Administration series consists of portraits of former superintendents and university presidents created at a larger scale in oil on canvas. This is the start of an eight-painting series depicting the highest-level administrator at every school I have ever worked at or attended. All eight paintings will be men.