Im/Migration

Butterflies sometimes take up to four generations migrating from one place to another… dying and birthing along the way to their desired destination.

As a totem for metamorphosis – these winged creatures speak even more to me as every immigrant experiences several deaths and rebirths during their journey.

There is death along the way – the concept of “homeland”, identity, belonging, security… In exchange there is also birth - opportunities for transformation, the freedom that comes from leaving everything you know behind, and previously unimaginable destinations (physical, emotional, and spiritual) for future generations.

These paintings vibrate with the contrasting forces within me. The chaos/control of highly detailed ink work and layers of loose color and scribbles. The tensions of being seen as a “model minority,” the pressures of being an immigrant, and my wild nature all dance together to create this emotional landscape.