Artist Statement
The Art of Stillness
I paint slowly because I am afraid of losing what is real.
In our busy lives, we are often rushing from one place to the next, our eyes glued to our phones. We have become experts at moving fast, but we have stopped noticing the world around us. My work begins when I choose to slow down. I put my phone away and simply look at what is right in front of me.
When you take the time to pay attention, the city comes alive. You begin to see the beauty in a neighborhood garden or the unique character of a pigeon on the sidewalk. These are the small, quiet gifts of the streets that make our daily lives a little brighter. I paint these moments to capture the beauty of the present—the simple joy of being exactly where you are.
We live in a world where everything is made faster and cheaper, from our clothes to our digital ideas. While this efficiency is useful, it comes at a cost: we are losing touch with the handmade. Traditional crafts, from French artisan techniques to Japanese heritage, are slowly disappearing because we have forgotten the value of taking our time.
I graduated with a BFA from Parsons Paris, where I learned a lot about modern technology and digital media. However, I often felt that the "idea" behind a project was valued more than the actual making of it. I found myself craving a deeper connection to the things I create.
Having lived away from home since I was 15, I have come to realize that my true identity is rooted in the Japanese dedication to quality and long-lasting craftsmanship. This is why I chose to study Nihonga, a traditional Japanese painting style.
Nihonga is an act of love and patience. It begins by preparing special washi paper and grinding raw pigments by hand. It is a slow, complex process that cannot be rushed or automated. For me, this is more than just a technique—it is a way of life. By choosing the "slow" path, I hope to keep these beautiful traditions alive and remind others that there is still magic in things made with time, heart, and human hands.
