After having the opportunity to study abroad in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi, China in 2019, I discovered a passion for china paint enamel. This medium allowed me to blend my skills as an oil painter and ceramicist into a cohesive art form. I eagerly acquired as many pigments as I could and continued to draw inspiration from the techniques of Chinese china painters, integrating these influences into my regular ceramic exploration.

The "Painted Bodies" series features intricate and expressive depictions of the human form, inspired by photographs I take of close friends in various raw and natural poses. These references often capture moments of yoga, relaxation, and other states of being, highlighting the body's grace and power. Each painted form is a celebration of the individuality and beauty of the human body, rendered with delicate china paint enamel on ceramic surfaces. The works are a reflection of my journey towards accepting my own body and my admiration for others in their most authentic and joyful states. Through this series, I aim to convey the diverse range of human expression and the quiet strength found in moments of stillness and movement.

These works where ways for me to explore a new found acceptance of my own bodies, as well as the admiration for others bodies in their most raw, joyful and expressive states.