This collection of work is a visual diary chronicling my senior year of undergrad at Hartwick College. From big life events to seemingly insignificant blink-and-you'll-miss-it instances, ART JOY LIFE highlights all the moments throughout that year that had an impact on me. The title itself comes from a little fabric figure my mom gave me during COVID with the words "ART JOY LIFE" embroidered on its belly, a reminder to always appreciate the beauty of life even when the going gets tough. This series is meant to capture the joy of everyday life through the lens of artworks that pull from surrealist inspirations, turning still objects into vessels for memories. While the individual story of each piece might not be known to anyone else, the inclusion of each element within this piece makes the significance clear. Every piece in this collection tells a story, no matter how small.
ART JOY LIFE was awarded Best In Show during Hartwick's Art Thesis Exhibition in 2023.