Take a look at a tree with its full body and ascending branches. Feel the grooves in the bark and study the texture. Now fly above the land and look out to see a sprawling forest and the complexities of its surrounding terrain. You will start to see a communion between the Earth and all its formations. I am inspired by this relationship as well as the colors, textures and patterns of the natural world. Through abstraction (form, line, and color) I like to transform these elements into emotional landscapes. I am interested in the perception of space and the interchange between positive and negative. Through observation I like to understand a landscape and the complexity of its transformation through natural or man-made processes. Most recently I use aerial photography that I layer and manipulate in Photoshop to create designs that I then paint. My work utilizes technology, but is balanced with the handmade.

I have been developing and evolving a personal aesthetic in my artistic endeavors since childhood. Growing up outdoors in Northern California, I began engaging in color and texture through pastels, drawings, and paintings. I later honed my skills under Kathy Reed at the Lafayette Parish High School Arts Academy in Louisiana, where I learned a solid foundation in design principles and techniques. This heavily influenced my decision to attend Pratt Institute in New York City. After leaving the Institute, I moved back to Louisiana to begin my artistic pursuits. I now live in the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans. I spend most of my time painting in my studio and moving through the city, embracing the culture.

Instagram: @bl_nkr