“I deserve softness.”

I recently heard this phrase from a musician as they were discussing their own art in concert. I have been thinking about this phrase and what it means ever since, and have realized this idea is the central connection in all of my recent works. Not only softness towards myself, but softness towards my community. This series of paintings depict tender moments between lovers- tender but dangerous: queerness is never a completely safe way of being in today's climate, even in one’s own home. Challenging ideas of what is morally objectionable: technology and social media can be just as unifying as it can be alienating, and simply existing as queer is not the same as vulgar obscenity.

I have been focused on concepts of gentleness and quiet rebellion. Gentleness towards myself in embracing anger as a healing emotion, knowing I have worked hard to believe I deserved to feel anger over injustice. Gentleness towards my community in choosing my rebellion to take the form of a reprieve from violence; instead celebrating the soft, quiet moments that make us whole.