{"id":14948,"date":"2025-02-22T16:43:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-22T16:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/?p=14948"},"modified":"2025-02-23T01:03:53","modified_gmt":"2025-02-23T01:03:53","slug":"derek-jackson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/2025\/02\/22\/derek-jackson\/","title":{"rendered":"Derek Jackson"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"14948\" class=\"elementor elementor-14948\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b107449 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b107449\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-999aefe elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"999aefe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 22-05-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>Year of birth: 1991<br \/>Where do you live: Harrisonburg, VA<br \/>Your education: High School<br \/>Describe your art in three words: Colorful, Overwhelming, and Clean<br \/>Your discipline: Acrylic<br \/><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/DerekJacksonArtist.com\">Website<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/DerekJacksonArtist\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14949 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"780\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1-1-300x234.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1-1-768x599.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1-1-600x468.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\u00a0<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">How did your background as a self-taught artist influence your approach to Pop Art?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">My background as a self-taught artist has greatly influenced my approach to Pop Art by giving me the freedom to experiment without the boundaries of traditional rules or techniques. Without formal instruction, I\u2019ve always approached art with curiosity, letting intuition guide me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Pop Art speaks to me because of its focus on everyday life and popular culture\u2014it feels accessible, much like my own artistic journey. Being self-taught has pushed me to look at the world around me for inspiration, which is exactly what Pop Art celebrates. It\u2019s about finding beauty in the mundane and reinterpreting the familiar in bold, unexpected ways.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">This freedom also gives me the confidence to merge styles or break conventions, creating work that is uniquely mine. Instead of relying on established norms, I rely on my personal story, the places I\u2019ve lived or visited , and my own emotional lens\u2014infusing my Pop Art with a layer of authenticity that is deeply personal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Can you tell us more about how your personal experiences with social media have shaped your work?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Social media is at the very heart of my work\u2014it\u2019s both my inspiration and the subject I critique. The idea for my paintings was born during one of those endless scrolling sessions, where I noticed how everyone on social media seems to have a personal brand. It felt like an online marketplace, with people constantly trying to secure sponsorships, sell products, or promote themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">What stood out most to me was watching makeup influencers. Despite selling different products, they all used a similar language to market their items. Their opinions held power\u2014they were shaping the buying decisions of millions of people with just a few words. That realization sparked something in me: the power of opinions, particularly in the digital age, and how they influence not just commerce but also creativity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">I started thinking about how the internet has judged and even marginalized art. The internet is essentially a void\u2014a space where we all want to have a voice. In this void, art gets judged, whether it\u2019s a masterpiece or a humble creation. Often, it\u2019s not about the art itself but about how\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; text-transform: inherit; text-align: var(--text-align);\">it can be monetized, praised, or criticized. And tearing something down online is incredibly easy; it takes seconds to dismiss or ridicule something that may have taken years to create. That\u2019s where the concept of the \u201ctalk bubble\u201d came from. I realized that these endless online opinions often \u201ccover up\u201d the art itself. They obscure its meaning, its intent, and its essence with layers of noise and judgment. The talk bubble became a way to visually represent that idea\u2014the way opinions can both shape and overshadow art.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">After a year of working with talk bubbles, I decided to infuse them with humor. I started incorporating funny reviews, and it felt like my work became even more personal. Humor is a big part of who I am, and by using lighthearted,\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; text-transform: inherit; text-align: var(--text-align);\">often ridiculous online commentary, I could reflect the chaotic, endless stream of opinions we\u2019re all exposed to. It also gave my art a sense of playfulness while still making a statement about the digital age.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">In many ways, this approach feels limitless. As long as the internet is filled with opinions\u2014and it always will be\u2014I\u2019ll have an endless source of inspiration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-15201 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_0569frontfixed-whitewhie-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1050\" height=\"1050\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_0569frontfixed-whitewhie-1.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_0569frontfixed-whitewhie-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_0569frontfixed-whitewhie-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_0569frontfixed-whitewhie-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_0569frontfixed-whitewhie-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_0569frontfixed-whitewhie-1-650x650.jpg 650w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_0569frontfixed-whitewhie-1-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_0569frontfixed-whitewhie-1-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1050px) 100vw, 1050px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">What does &#8220;Can I Say Something?&#8221; mean to you on a personal level, and how does it reflect your feelings about art in today&#8217;s digital age?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">\u201cCan I Say Something?\u201d holds profound personal significance for me, as it represents my first <\/span><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">collection of art\u2014a milestone in my creative journey. The title itself is a question that reflects my vulnerability as I step into the art world. It\u2019s an invitation to express myself, to share my perspective, and to explore how my voice fits into this vast and ever-evolving space.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">This collection is more than just a series of works; it\u2019s a means of navigating not only the field of art but also my identity as an artist.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Through it, I\u2019m learning how to articulate emotions, ideas, and narratives in a way that resonates with others, which can feel intimidating in today\u2019s digital age.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">The digital era has made art more accessible than ever, but it has also created an overwhelming flood of content, where voices can get lost. For me, \u201cCan I Say Something?\u201d embodies the courage it takes to stand out, to ask for space in a world that often feels oversaturated, and to challenge myself to communicate authentically amidst the noise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">It\u2019s a statement about the value of individuality and connection\u2014two things I believe art should always strive for, no matter the medium or platform. This collection allows me to say something in my own way and on my own terms, and I hope it inspires others to feel they can do the same.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">How do you see the concept of \u201cinstant reactions\u201d and \u201conline opinions\u201d affecting the viewer\u2019s connection to art?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">I\u2019ve explored this idea deeply in my artist statement for \u201cCan I Say Something?\u201d but here\u2019s a summarized perspective. Instant reactions and\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; text-transform: inherit; text-align: var(--text-align);\">online opinions can fundamentally reshape how we connect with art. In today\u2019s digital world, we often rely on \u201ctrusted sources,\u201d whether that\u2019s a critic, an influencer, or a social media algorithm, to tell us if a piece of art is worth our attention. This reliance can strip away the personal journey of discovering art on our own terms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The truth is, no one sees the world exactly as I do\u2014or as you do. Art is deeply personal, and no one can fully predict how a piece will resonate with someone else. When we let others\u2019 opinions dictate our feelings about art, we risk losing the chance to engage with it authentically, to decide for ourselves whether or not it speaks to us.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why I believe it\u2019s essential to step away from the noise, go out, and explore art independently. Experience it without the lens of \u201cpolitics\u201d or preconceived judgments. Find what moves you, what challenges you, and what sparks your curiosity. But here\u2019s the flip side: when we engage with art on our own terms, we also have a responsibility to go deeper. Without relying on the interpretations of others, we must ask ourselves, \u201cWhat is the artist trying to say? What story, emotion, or truth are they sharing?\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">In many ways, the opposite of instant reactions is compassion and understanding. It\u2019s about taking the time to look beyond the surface, to connect with art and the artist behind it on a human level. And isn\u2019t that what the world needs more of? In a culture dominated by speed and snap judgments, art offers us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and empathize\u2014and that\u2019s a connection worth nurturing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-15202 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1434morewhitewhitebetter-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1050\" height=\"1050\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1434morewhitewhitebetter-1.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1434morewhitewhitebetter-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1434morewhitewhitebetter-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1434morewhitewhitebetter-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1434morewhitewhitebetter-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1434morewhitewhitebetter-1-650x650.jpg 650w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1434morewhitewhitebetter-1-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1434morewhitewhitebetter-1-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1050px) 100vw, 1050px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">In your opinion, what is the balance between creating art for self-expression and creating art for an audience&#8217;s critique?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">In my view, the balance between self-expression and creating for an audience lies in understanding the purpose behind each piece of art. For me, art begins as an act of self-expression\u2014it&#8217;s about capturing my emotions, thoughts, and experiences without worrying\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; text-transform: inherit; text-align: var(--text-align);\">about how it will be received. That raw authenticity is what makes the work meaningful to me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">However, I also recognize that art lives in the space between the artist and the audience. Once a piece is shared, it becomes a dialogue. I\u2019ve come to value how others interpret my work, even if their perspectives differ from my own. Their reactions, critiques, and connections often add new dimensions to the work that I hadn\u2019t considered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">So, I try to stay true to my voice while being open to the audience\u2019s input. It\u2019s not about compromising my vision but about finding a harmony where self-expression and connection can coexist. After all, art is both personal and universal\u2014it\u2019s a reflection of me, but it\u2019s also a gift to the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Your work blends Pop Art with themes of loneliness, nostalgia, and longing. Could you elaborate on how you explore these themes visually?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">While the themes of loneliness, nostalgia, and longing are not as overtly explored in \u201cCan I Say Something?\u201d, they\u2019re integral to other pieces in my body of work. For me, painting is often about capturing the things I want, miss, or that hold a deep personal meaning. These themes are intertwined with my creative process, and Pop Art becomes a way to mask those emotions behind a vibrant, cheerful facade.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Pop Art\u2019s bright colors and bold imagery give the impression of joy and liveliness, but for me, it\u2019s a tool to explore contrasts. Beneath the surface, these works carry a weight of personal history and emotion. The juxtaposition creates a tension that mirrors the way we often hide our vulnerabilities behind smiles or aesthetics in real life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">For instance, I have a painting of a pair of sunglasses\u2014a very personal piece. The sunglasses belonged to a dear friend who once left them at my house. They were an expensive, designer pair, and one day, I stumbled upon them while tidying up. Seeing them brought an unexpected wave of sadness. They were a physical reminder of his presence, yet his absence made them feel like a hollow token of a deeper connection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">To express that feeling, I painted the sunglasses in bright, playful colors, almost as if they were part of a cheerful advertisement. But I paired them with a talk bubble that says, \u201cWe found them!\u201d It\u2019s a humorous, lighthearted phrase that contrasts with the underlying sadness of the piece. That juxtaposition captures the push and pull of longing and memory\u2014how objects can be comforting yet painful reminders of what we\u2019ve lost or yearn for.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">This balance of Pop Art\u2019s cheerful aesthetic with these deeper, more personal themes allows me to explore complex emotions in a way that feels true to me. It\u2019s not just about the surface; it\u2019s about inviting the viewer to look closer and find the story hidden behind the bright colors and bold imagery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-15204 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1457-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1050\" height=\"1050\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1457-1.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1457-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1457-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1457-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1457-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1457-1-650x650.jpg 650w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1457-1-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1457-1-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1050px) 100vw, 1050px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">How does your work challenge the traditional boundaries of how art is perceived and consumed in a hyper-connected world?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>My work challenges traditional expectations of what a painting \u201cshould\u201d be. Many people envision paintings as flat, square, easily frameable pieces that can be hung neatly on a wall\u2014simple and conventional. But from the moment I started painting, I knew I wanted my art to go beyond that. I wanted to create pieces that are more impressive in person than in a photograph, works that engage the viewer in a tactile, almost physical way.<\/p>\n<p>To achieve this, I began incorporating three-dimensional elements into my paintings. These elements don\u2019t transform the work into full sculptures, but they disrupt the flatness and challenge the status quo. They invite viewers to step closer, to experience the artwork in a way that can\u2019t be fully captured in a digital image or a flat representation.<\/p>\n<p>This approach directly addresses the hyper-connected world we live in, where art is often reduced to a flat image, ready to be scrolled past, shared, or mass-produced. My work resists that. By introducing textures, depth, and elements that can\u2019t be easily replicated, I\u2019m creating art that demands to be experienced in person. It\u2019s not designed for mass production or quick consumption\u2014it\u2019s meant to slow people down and make them engage.<\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s fascinating is how people react to my work, especially in this digital-first era. Many viewers initially assume the talk bubbles in my paintings are digitally photoshopped into the image. They\u2019ve been so conditioned to view art through the lens of screens that they struggle to think outside that framework. But the talk bubbles are real, physical elements incorporated into the pieces themselves. That misunderstanding reflects how much the hyper-connected world has shifted our perception of art\u2014we\u2019re so used to digital manipulation that we sometimes fail to see what\u2019s right in front of us.<\/p>\n<p>Through my art, I hope to break these habits and encourage people to reconsider how they perceive and consume art. I want my work to push viewers to think beyond the flatness of a screen and to engage with art in a more physical, immediate, and personal way.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-15205 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1497whitewhite-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1050\" height=\"1050\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1497whitewhite-1.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1497whitewhite-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1497whitewhite-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1497whitewhite-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1497whitewhite-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1497whitewhite-1-650x650.jpg 650w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1497whitewhite-1-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC_1497whitewhite-1-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1050px) 100vw, 1050px\" \/><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Year of birth: 1991Where do you live: Harrisonburg, VAYour education: High SchoolDescribe your art in three words: Colorful, Overwhelming, and CleanYour discipline: AcrylicWebsite | Instagram \u00a0 How did your background as a self-taught artist influence your approach to Pop Art? My background as a self-taught artist has greatly influenced my approach to Pop Art by [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14948","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-interviews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14948","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14948"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14948\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15462,"href":"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14948\/revisions\/15462"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14948"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14948"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visualartjournal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14948"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}