ARTIST STATEMENT

Memories of riding my pony as a child fill me with peace and happiness. I can still feel my horse beneath me, wind in my hair, the creaking of the saddle as she moved, and the smell of sweat and leather. The freedom I felt at that moment is what I remember most.

Growing up my father’s job took us around the world, never allowing us to develop deep roots in any one place. I was shy and often found it difficult to fit in, so I didn’t have a vast circle of friends. I found solace in the connection I had with my horse which led to spending more time riding, and in turn, honing my riding skills. Those skills helped me gain confidence and develop a network of friends in the equestrian world. Trail riding, horse shows, and rodeos consumed my world, and it was one of the happiest times in my life. Even today, I reflect on that time and feel a sense of comfort and belonging.

As I embark on a new chapter, I hope to reignite my passions and recapture the joy and confidence that was so abundant in my youth. Not only did horses play a significant role in my adolescence and development, but they also symbolize the strength and freedom I strive for as an adult, making them the inspiration behind this drawing series.