Petals of Armor, a series clashing between loss and temper. How much false judgment, punishment, and oppression can one take before speaking on the verge of blasphemy? What inspired this direction were the observations and experiences I lived out as a child. Even as a child, I questioned my faith and the existence of God. It was ironic wanting to connect deeper with my spirituality, yet my neighbors would condemn me because of my sexuality. I began to grow a fascination for the church as an institution, how their traditions, practices, and beliefs could contradict themselves or oppress others. Custody Battles, solidarity, gentrification, restraintment, and workaholism are the foundation from which Petals of Armor stems. A hopeless and dreadful land where one finds peace through isolation.

Petals of Armor was selected and won second place for the 2024 Juried Exhibition: Rise Up, Curated by Sterling Allen.

“You could tell the artist put a lot of research and work into the images as well as the book, and the layout, design, technique, and craftsmanship was all really well put together,” Allen said. (Hilltop Views)