Light is a thing that cannot be reproduced but must be represented by something else. This inherent quality of light - its elusiveness and reliance on interpretation - parallels how I depend on art as a tool for personal introspection. In my paintings, light serves as a metaphor for self-discovery. By casting a light on the people, places, and objects that matter most to me, I begin to know more about myself. Strong light sources exaggerate the form and heighten color, empowering their shape. I utilize this effect in my art, illuminating that even utilitarian objects - like blue jeans or windows - possess a quiet breath. With gratitude for the every day, I infuse my depictions of ordinary things with an idealized perspective, framing small moments to appear as grand as I see them. This stems from my belief that everything around us, even the most disposable objects, carries the potential to be beautiful when cast in the right light. In representing light, I represent myself.