I have a personal connection with the subject matter I choose. They range from locations that I have created memories at, objects that are meaningful to me, and people who are important/made an impact in my life. However I want the work to also connect with the viewers and remind them of their own memories. When working with this theme, I am reminded of the memories that come along with it. Whether they are positive ones that I cherish or ones I wish that could be forgotten, all of them made me the person I am today. 

The first step I do is choose a photograph. If I am doing a location, thing, or someone I know personally I will use my own photo. I will usually visit the place I am doing to not only get new images, but also to look back at the memories and recall the emotions I was feeling. I have this same thinking process when doing objects and portraits. However if I am doing someone who is famous I will use a photo that is online.  I pay very close attention to detail and my goal is to make it as life-like as possible. 

Once I am done with drawing it out, it is time to bring the piece to life. Towards creating my works, my hand always goes to grab charcoal. Charcoal allows me to create different tones to achieve beautiful gradients that results in making the images more realistic. Every piece is a learning process filled with challenges but the final result is always worth it.