Q: Could you speak a little about the artistic process behind creating this piece?

A: I made the original floral background as part of a gift for my friend’s wedding, but always really loved how it came out. I was on a time crunch for this, but wanted to make a new piece that could represent some of the joy Florida makes me feel. For that, I decided to add in the gator and expand on the background a bit, by referencing a bit more Florida wildlife. The fact that gators can make people feel so much fear combined with its cutesy look in this piece just made this feel a little more whimsical and silly to me. 

Q: Does place typically influence your art?

A: Florida as a concept does very often find itself in my work, since it makes me feel so many conflicting things. Deep down it will always be my home so it tends to come out a bit in the art I make. 

Q: Do you feel that art offers an escape from the state of the world, or does it spring from these systemic issues?

A: I think that while its creation can very often be used an escape for the artist, art almost always acts as a reflection of the larger issues seen in the world, and I feel like that is a huge part of it’s value.

Q: What have your artistic interests been so far this year? What do you hope to do more of?

A: This year my art has mainly been more textile based, and I’ve spent a lot of time learning about fibers, sewing, and knitting. This upcoming year I’m hoping to lean into more mixed media to hopefully bring my digital art into the physical world. 

Q: What advice do you have for artists and creatives that are finding it tough to create right now?

A: My biggest advice is to stop thinking so hard, stop judging, and make literally anything that strikes your interest or curiosity at all. The biggest issue I’ve had with my own art blocks is thinking “this isn’t important, impressive, or beautiful enough,” when in reality what matters is that you’re creating something. Eventually you’ll look back and realize either your art really was that good all along or it was an important stepping stone towards something you feel truly proud of in the future.