Illustration Portfolio
Title: Transcending David
Medium: Oil pastel on paper
Transcending David is a piece that I created to challenge the traditional norms of beauty and masculinity. In this oil pastel portrait, I have depicted David, an ideal male standard, but with a twist. He is colored orange, representing a departure from his natural skin tone, and bears top surgery scars to symbolize a step towards inner peace. My aim with this piece is to inspire conversations about gender, identity, and the fluidity of human experience. I want to create a space where individuals can see themselves represented and validated, no matter where they fall on the gender spectrum. Through Transcending David, I aim to confront and subvert the narrow definition of masculinity that has been imposed on men by society for centuries. As an artist, I am committed to using my work to challenge the status quo, to provoke thought, and to create a space for healing and self-discovery. I hope that viewers of this piece will be inspired to embrace their true selves, unapologetically, and to break free from the societal norms that limit us all. Transcending David is a celebration of individuality, self-expression, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression. I believe that this piece embodies the values of diversity and the freedom to be one's authentic self.
Title: Yearning for Apollo
Medium: Digital portrait
Yearning for Apollo is a digital portrait that explores the theme of human desire and the pursuit of the ideal. The portrait depicts a mortal man in a side profile, his gaze fixed upwards, yearning for the god Apollo. The subtle hint of a romance between the two figures is inferred through the man's awed and blushing expression and the title. Through this piece, I aim to delve into the complexities of human emotion and the yearning for a deeper connection with the divine. The figure in the portrait represents the human desire for spiritual elevation and the pursuit of the ideal, including love and companionship. The man's side profile and upward gaze emphasize the idea of spiritual ascent and the longing for something greater than oneself, while the subtle blush represents what sexuality might have looked like thousands of years ago- having a crush on a god. As an artist, I am interested in exploring the intricacies of human experience and the search for meaning in a complex world. Yearning for Apollo is an exploration of the human desire for spiritual elevation and love, two pursuits that have been intertwined throughout history and continue to inspire and motivate us today. Yearning for Apollo is a celebration of the human spirit's resilience and the power of the human imagination to reach beyond the mundane and aspire to the divine.
Title: Buster
Medium: Digital Pet Portrait
Buster, the Yellow Lab, is a digital pet portrait that captures the playful and affectionate nature of my friend's beloved pet. The sketchy style of the portrait emphasizes the dog's energy and liveliness, while the use of calm colors in the background reflects his sunny and cheerful disposition. Through this piece, I aim to celebrate the special bond between humans and their animal companions. Buster, with his warm and friendly nature, represents the joy and companionship that pets bring into our lives. The use of digital media in this piece allows me to experiment with different styles and techniques, highlighting the unique qualities of Buster's character. The sketchy style of the portrait adds a sense of spontaneity and movement to the piece, conveying the dog's liveliness and energy. As an artist, I am inspired by the beauty and complexity of the natural world, including the animals that inhabit it. Buster, with his wagging tail and bright eyes, embodies the playfulness and love that dogs bring into our lives.
Buster, the Yellow Lab, is a companion piece to Betis, the Chocolate Lab, another celebration of the bond between humans and their animal companions, and a testament to the joy and love that pets can bring into our lives.
Title: A Different Lens
Medium: Digital portrait
A Different Lens is a digital portrait that explores the complexities of identity and the relationship between past and present. The portrait depicts my father and me at age 5, with me sitting on his shoulders. In the original photograph, I had pigtails, but in the digital portrait, I have been given a short haircut, representing the incongruence between my childhood image and my current identity as a trans man. Through this piece, I aim to reflect on the fluidity of identity and the ways in which our past selves can inform and shape our present identity. The use of digital media allows me to reimagine the original photograph, updating it to reflect my current self while still retaining the memories and emotions of the past. As an artist, I am interested in exploring the complexities of human experience and the ways in which we navigate our identities in a rapidly changing world. A Different Lens is an exploration of the interplay between past and present, and the ways in which our memories and experiences shape who we are. A Different Lens is a celebration of the transformative power of self-discovery and the changed bonds of love and family.
Title: Frooty Juice Box (Orange Edition)
Medium: Digital Drawing
The Frooty Juice Box is a digital illustration that captures the fun and playful essence of childhood, while also celebrating the diversity and inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community. The piece is a cartoon-style rendering of a juice box labeled "Frooty," which is a playful and inclusive play on the word "fruity," a term sometimes used to describe queer people. Through this piece, I aim to create a sense of joy and inclusivity by celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in a fun and lighthearted way. The cute and cartoonish style of the piece emphasizes the whimsical and carefree nature of childhood, while the bright and bold colors reflect the playful and upbeat spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. The Frooty Juice Box is a reminder to embrace our differences and celebrate the unique qualities that make us who we are. As an artist, I am inspired by the power of art to create a sense of community and belonging, and the ways in which it can be used to uplift and empower marginalized groups. The Frooty Juice Box collection is a celebration of the beauty and creativity that can be found in even the simplest of things, and a reminder to always embrace our authentic selves. The Frooty Juice Box (Orange Edition) is part of a series of fruit juice box illustrations that together form a rainbow, with the Orange Edition representing the titular color of the spectrum. The collection is a testament to the enduring power of art to bring people together and create a more vibrant and inclusive world through everyday objects.
Title: Blue Tones
Medium: Digital Portrait
Blue Tones is a digital portrait that captures the beauty and complexity of love, friendship, and diversity. The piece features two men side by side, both of whom are larger in stature, with one being white and the other black. The use of only blue tones emphasizes the emotional depth of the piece, while the orange background adds a sense of warmth and vibrancy. Through this piece, I aim to celebrate the diversity and beauty of human relationships, while also highlighting the importance of representation and inclusivity. The blue tones in the piece reflect the emotional depth and complexity of human relationships, while the orange background adds a sense of warmth and energy. The two men, side by side, represent the beauty and power of love regardless of race, size, or any other perceived differences. As an artist, I am inspired by the ways in which art can create a sense of community and belonging, while also challenging and expanding our understanding of the world. Blue Tones is a celebration of the beauty and complexity of human relationships, and a reminder to embrace diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of life.
Title: Betis
Medium: Digital Pet Portrait
Betis is a digital pet portrait that celebrates the love and companionship that exists between humans and their furry friends. The piece is a digital rendering of my friend's dog, Betis, and captures the playful and affectionate spirit of this lovable chocolate lab. Through this piece, I aim to honor the bond that exists between pets and their owners, while also celebrating the beauty and individuality of each animal. The piece focuses on the unique characteristics and personality traits that make this dog so special. From her soft brown fur to her bright and inquisitive eyes, Betis is a beloved member of her family and a constant source of joy and companionship. As an artist, I am inspired by the emotional connections that exist between humans and animals, and the ways in which these relationships enrich and transform our lives. Betis is a celebration of the love and affection that exists between pets and their owners, and a reminder of the enduring power of companionship and devotion. Betis and its companion piece Buster are a testament to the beauty and individuality of all animals, and a reminder to embrace the joy and love that they bring into our lives.
Title: Resilience
Medium: Digital Portrait
Resilience is a digital portrait created to celebrate the strength and beauty of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage. The piece features an Asian man looking back toward the viewer, his gaze reflecting a sense of determination and resilience in the face of adversity. Through this piece, I aim to celebrate the cultural richness and diversity of the AAPI community, while also acknowledging the struggles and challenges that many individuals have faced. The piece is titled "Resilience" and focuses on the strength and perseverance of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, who have faced discrimination, racism, and marginalization throughout history. By highlighting the resilience of the subject, I hope to inspire viewers to reflect on their own capacity for resilience, and to appreciate the diversity and beauty of the AAPI community. Resilience is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage and resilience of the AAPI community and a reminder of the importance of recognizing and honoring diversity in all its forms.
