“I AM KING”
“I AM KING”, dry and liquid charcoal, stencil (wallpaper), 22×30, 2026.
In life's hardest moments, it can be difficult to recognize our own worth and strength. This portrait stands as a reminder that the woman depicted possesses a remarkable resilience and inner power. No matter how difficult the road ahead may seem, these qualities remain a part of who she is and are not meant to be surrendered.
As of late, I have been exploring the timeless qualities of black and white imagery through charcoal drawing. While many people associate black and white with the past, I am drawn to it because it transcends time. By removing color, the work shifts attention toward light, shadow, form, and emotional presence, allowing the subject to exist beyond a specific moment or era.
Charcoal is central to my practice because of its immediacy, versatility, and deep historical lineage. The medium carries a sense of both permanence and fragility. Its rich blacks, subtle grays, and expressive marks create a visual language that feels classical, intimate, and deeply human. Each mark reveals the movement of the hand, preserving the process of observation and discovery.
Self Portrait
Self Portrait, Charcoal, Gouache, Dry and Liquid Charcoal, 2026
I prefer to be the one looking rather than being looked at. This self-portrait was a test for myself. I have always been deeply conservative about photographs of myself, my online presence, and the visibility of my identity, often preferring a sense of anonymity.
In this work, I wanted to depict myself looking directly at the viewer, creating a sense of confrontation and mutual recognition. The direct gaze challenges both the viewer and myself, pushing against my instinct to remain unseen.
Recently, I have made it a personal mission to develop a stronger online presence in relation to my artistic practice. To acknowledge this commitment, I included paint marks on my face. They act as signifiers of my work and serve as a reminder of my purpose, linking my identity to my practice while encouraging me to embrace a greater degree of visibility.
“Boyz Night”
Boyz Night challenges common stereotypes of young Indigenous males and encourages a broader understanding that self-care is not limited by gender, background, or identity, but is for everyone. I wanted to create something contemporary and youthful. Indigenous people are often represented as if we exist outside the present or are frozen in time. This is something I actively resist in work that relates to my ancestry. We can maintain traditional beliefs and cultural practices while also living vibrant contemporary lives. The Indigenous figures in my work often have a distinctly modern quality, reflecting the reality of contemporary Indigenous experience.
The painting is highly gestural and intentionally appears unfinished. I believe this creates a sense of freshness and ambiguity that I highly value in my practice.
“Boyz Night”, Pencil Crayon, Texturizing Paste, and Acrylic Paint, 2026