Artist Statement
Penguins have been an integral part of my artwork for almost a decade.
Penguins are whimsical creatures that can draw a smile to nearly any face; yet they are also steadfast, persistent and strong-willed.
Through bold lines and simple shapes, my drawings evoke the dual nature of these birds.
I am fascinated by the science of them, dutifully studying their anatomy and seeking to showcase the different features of each penguin species.
At the same time, I am also charmed by their personalities, bringing their playful image to life in unexpected ways;
plump penguins playing volleyball
or riding unicycles
or grabbing a snack.
The subject of each drawing, first and foremost, is always the penguin.
the grace and strength
the softness and humor
but each piece tends to take a life of its own. The drawings reflect the seriousness behind their subjects, speaking of issues that impact the penguins and ourselves;
global warming
habitat destruction
pollution
These are not my main focus but they are undeniably present. The intention of my work is to make people smile, to inject some brightness into the world, but I’m hardly disappointed if the viewer also walks away thoughtful.