Artist Statement

Every brushstroke in my work tells a story of survival and hope. Through vivid portraits of endangered species, I strive to inspire change and protect the wild beauty of our planet. While I primarily work in ink and acrylic, I enjoy experimenting with watercolor, gouache, soft pastels, and other mediums to bring variety and depth to my pieces. Many of my artworks present the full body of the animal, but more recently I have explored dramatic backgrounds and partial body focuses to draw attention to unique aspects of the creatures I depict.

My subject matter selection is an evolving process fueled by continuous learning about endangered animals. Sometimes, I choose animals based on special occasions like “Fintastic Friday” using animal holiday calendars. Other times, I find inspiration from prompt lists that challenge me to think creatively, such as the pygmy raccoon born from the prompt “drip.” I also welcome suggestions from my followers and am moved to paint animals I encounter in real life, on television, or through social media.

What truly draws me to a particular scene is the story behind the animal itself. Each creature carries a narrative of resilience and survival that I seek to capture and share. My inspiration comes from nature, wildlife, conservation efforts, and hopeful stories of species and habitats recovering from the brink of extinction. I believe raising awareness and shifting mindsets can make a meaningful difference in addressing climate change and other environmental challenges.

Art has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Germany, I was introduced to a wide range of techniques through crafting projects with my mother, while my father taught me practical skills like using tools. Encouragement from my grandparents nurtured my passion for drawing and painting. Nature and animals were constant companions throughout my childhood, providing peace and inspiration. During school, art was my favorite subject, and some of my work was exhibited in school-organized shows. Pursuing art as a major in high school gave me the opportunity to study the old masters on a memorable field trip to Florence, Italy. My experiences traveling through Europe, Turkey, and several U.S. states have exposed me to diverse cultures that have enriched my artistic voice.

Over the years, I have shared my skills by teaching various workshops, from painting landscapes and organizing paint parties to guiding children in creating painted t-shirts and adults in crafting silk scarves using multiple techniques. Presently, I engage with my audience through live streaming and look forward to expanding these connections. My art is a lifelong journey, deeply rooted in story, culture, and the urgent call to protect the natural world.