Aspen

"Aspen” is the smallest piece in the collection, but its message is substantial. The subject matter—a caved-in house, plummeting trees, and heavy black voids—reflects a disintegrating environment. The house symbolizes the inner self, which, in this case, collapses under the weight of self-dependence; it represents the downward spiral of complete self-reliance. I wanted to address the danger of avoiding help. It’s often easier to try to overcome life’s challenges alone, which can result in more pain. While the mood of the painting is dim, hope reveals itself through emerging light beyond the canvas boundaries and the depiction of growing plant life. It's a portrayal of hope for a helping hand extending through the rubble of our self-inflicted chaos.