Additionally, The Room serves as a statement on materialism and consumerism.

Consumption is not inherently wasteful, and materialism not inherently superficial. When we buy and keep new things for specific reasons, taking care to consider why we might want a specific item instead of another, our consumption habits become much more particular – we consume more thoughtfully, and likely much less. Additionally, our things come to say much more about what we value personally, even artistically. This sort of curation is as significant of a creative practice as any other; demonstrating as much expressiveness as a painting and as much planning and forethought as a hand-crafted quilt or bookcase.

I consider all aspects of my material life as an opportunity for self-expression, and I have learned that I no longer wish to spend my money or my time on collecting things that I don’t find beautiful. I don’t think this is shallow – at least not to a fault. Instead, I find it to be a deeply personal, important reflection of my creativity, and by
extension, my personhood. The Room serves to convey this philosophy. Its aim is to feel nostalgic and authentic, and to remind viewers of the ways in which they relate to and value their own things. I want to show viewers that material possessions are very meaningful, and that a more purposeful relationship with how we consume serves to correct the flaws of overconsumption, rather than reinforce them.

(left) Face Board (2024) – 72x44x2 in – ink, oil, acrylic on plywood