I am primarily a painter, working intuitively with the goal of fostering connection and positivity. Growing up, I felt out of place in a religious community, which led to depression and alcoholism. Finding connection and community was essential in overcoming these challenges, and painting is the best way for me to share this and help others.

In my paintings I often include cute animals because lighthearted imagery makes it easier to explore dark subjects. I sometimes use nude figures to reference classical western art and portray vulnerability. The skull masks they wear make the figures anonymous and relatable. For compositions, I rely on analog film because its imperfections capture reality and vulnerability better than polished smartphone photos. Film also evokes a sense of nostalgia and safety. Lately I’ve been experimenting with AI for references. Its speed and convenience contrast with the patience required for film. Combining old and new adds another dimension to the images.

Working with AI has shifted my approach to painting. Now I leave visible brushstrokes and signs of my hand—something AI can’t replicate. Everything I create is filtered through my intuition, shaped by my life experiences, and driven by the desire to connect and uplift.

My latest paintings are influenced by my first trip to Japan, where I encountered an Utagawa Kuniyoshi print of a woman holding a tray of snow. Photography was prohibited at the museum and I couldn’t find the exact image after leaving, but I was able to find a similar print of a woman holding snow-covered peaches, which I’ve incorporated into scenes from both New York and Japan.

These works reflect a significant period in my life, as I prepared the birth of daughter. They include analog photos of me and my pregnant wife, eyes closed as if by mistake. The peaches and snow symbolize sweetness and fragility, while also representing a bridge between societies. This is particularly important for me as I was raised in America and my wife in Taiwan, and we are raising our daughter with an appreciation for both cultures.