What are some things you miss in your childhood country? Some of the things I miss from my upbringing are my experiences with family, friends, places, and foods at local gatherings, among trips to the rural countryside. I remember vividly the joy of coffee time with bread, among other foods made with a brick oven and wood, a simple yet cherished tradition for me.

How would you describe yourself based on your experience? Firstly, I see myself as a changemaker. I am grateful to be an artist and share my artistic experiences with my community and the world: significance, change, and unity through my creative practice. My life journey has been one of self-discovery and growth, and as my walk continues, I feel more connected to my practice. A deep love for nature and humanity drives me. I can also relate to the fact that my upbringing abroad has shaped me, and I appreciate who I am. Today, at another altitude, I still find that learning with much curiosity fills my understanding, augments my thoughtfulness, and permits growth in every realm. Therefore, I feel more mindful, allowing me to live a happier and more purposeful existence.

What passion is involved in creative practice? Ideas flourish daily, bringing them to life from memories, impressions, and significantly close encounters with nature and humanity, as these experiences cultivate added insights and a more genuine approach to making art. When I visit and uphold the places and subjects of inspiration in person, there is a deeper connection and a grasp of the essence from within and around the subject I’m perceiving. These involvements permit a profound appreciation reflected in my art process. I can connect more easily with others and my environment as this occurs, creating art that infuses positive change, heals, unites, and brings hope.

How has living connected to nature changed your perspective? Living connected to nature has instilled a conscious relationship with the natural world, humanity, and beyond, profoundly transforming my perspectives in every meaningful way. It has deepened my appreciation of life and all living beings and fostered a sense of curiosity and admiration when I encounter cultures, people’s traditions, and peculiarities. This correlation has also led me to adopt a more mindful approach to resources and the land itself, as I have come to understand the delicate balance of nature and the importance of preserving it. 

How have you interacted with the sacred land? Yes, since childhood, the environment has always fascinated me. I am curious about when life begins and ends, and its renewal in the cycles of change makes me ponder and amuses me. Therefore, I find sacredness in nature and being present. As I visit nature’s passages, my senses are awakened, and all perceptions ignite, fostering a profound vision of my environment and elevating me to a spiritual state. These experiences of close encounters elevate my creative practice towards a more spiritual and meaningful influence—these interactions with the sacredness of the land support my artistic practice. As I’m creating, visiting, and feeling the place I’m in, it instills a reflective truth and brings a holistic sense in which both my senses and the viewer’s appreciation deepen connections.

What do you hope to convey in the artwork? To convey change through my artwork and raise added consciousness about culture, identity, nature, and humanity.