Artist Statement

This piece is based off a close-up photo I took of a mason jar full of my trinkets I have collected. This was painted entirely in oil; the piece reflects my personal style and my love for small knick knacks that I form my own connections with. Each item holds a personal connection, including a small pink Buddha belonging to my best friend, a red spring that belongs to my kitten named Bibble, and a troll doll lighter case that was gifted to me. I enjoy collecting things that make me happy, and this painting became a way to celebrate and showcase those objects and the stories behind them.

Each trinket holds a little bit of personality, memory, or meaning, and together they create a collection that feels playful and uniquely mine. I wanted to capture the whimsy of these objects while giving attention to the small details and textures that might otherwise be overlooked. At 3 by 2 feet, the scale of the painting creates an interesting contrast with the tiny objects being represented. I enjoyed the idea of taking something so small and personal and giving it such a large presence. Working on a larger surface also allowed me to explore the different textures, colors, and details of each object, especially the subtle skin values on the little plastic troll figurine.  

My composition is intentionally scattered and somewhat chaotic, with the objects appearing tossed together rather than arranged in any particular order. I think this reflects my own environment and personality as an artist. My grandma always says that no artist is without a little mess, and I think that sentiment is present in this painting. There is something joyful about the lack of order and the way all of these different objects come together. My painting process is also somewhat spontaneous. I tend to mix colors as I go, blocking in small areas of value and gradually blending the edges together. I enjoy allowing some brushwork and painterly qualities to remain visible rather than making everything perfectly smooth or realistic. I wanted the finished piece to feel lively and expressive, much like the objects themselves. Ultimately, this painting is a celebration of the little things that bring me joy and the beauty of finding meaning in an otherwise ordinary collection of objects.