I am a senior at Pacific Grove High School. I identify myself as an artist who creates work to explore how space, light, and form interact with one another. I am drawn to the process of building and experimenting, allowing curiosity to guide my decisions rather than aiming for perfection. I create art because it gives me a way to slow down and pay attention to details that often go unnoticed, especially shadows and negative space. One of my goals as an artist is to push myself beyond traditional approaches and find new ways to merge dimensions, turning simple materials into experiences that invite viewers to look longer and more closely. For this piece, my goal is to use a three-dimensional structure I create to form a two-dimensional composition through its shadow.

I work primarily with simple, accessible materials, such as string, wood, and found objects, because they allow me to focus on form and concept rather than excess. I enjoy hands-on construction and problem-solving, especially when working with structure and repetition. Curved lines and organic shapes appear often in my work, reflecting my interest in natural movement and rhythm. Light plays an essential role in my process, as it transforms physical objects into abstract shapes and patterns. Themes of perception, transformation, and the relationship between object and environment continue to influence my work.

In my current work, “Showstop Shadow", I focus on how shadows can act as a second image, equal in importance to the physical structure itself. This piece grew out of my interest in creating depth and illusion by using light as a drawing tool. The spiral form allows the shadow to unfold across the surface, turning a three-dimensional object into a two-dimensional experience. I hope to communicate a sense of quiet curiosity and encourage viewers to consider how perspective can change meaning. One of the most challenging aspects of creating this piece is balancing structure with fragility, ensuring the form holds together while still allowing the shadow to remain fluid and expressive. Through this work, I invite viewers to look beyond the object and engage with the space it creates.