My work explores a story of longing, desire, and the hope of connection. These forms exist as reflections of the acts and experiences born from simple human interaction. I’ve spent much of my life as an observer, happily carrying thick memories of the world as I move through it. I draw from situations I’ve witnessed, lived, or dream of living. I think about the shameless pursuit of connection—the innate desire to be understood and to live on through others. At the same time, the strain of an unavoidable duality burns through: the longing for intimacy versus the fear and unwillingness to let someone in. The vulnerability of exposing oneself to potential cruelty can feel paralyzing, but the undeniable desire to be seen, loved, and understood keeps us searching. So we look, and cautiously inspect, reaching out by the fingertips to sheepishly test the waters. Sniffing out what feels safe, crawling towards the light we believe will fill us.