Artist Statement

My art is rooted in a desire to make the issue of modern slavery visible—something that’s all around us, yet often goes unnoticed. I create hyperrealistic charcoal and graphite portraits of survivors of forced labor and sex trafficking, with the goal of honoring their power, resilience, and humanity. These are individuals whose stories are too often overlooked or reduced to statistics.

I am a self-taught artist. I first became aware of modern slavery in college at a Christian conference that featured speakers on the topic. What began as shock quickly grew into a deep sense of responsibility to respond.

Each piece is created slowly and intentionally. I spend 20 to 80+ hours on a single portrait—studying, listening, and drawing by hand. The result isn’t just a likeness, but a quiet space for human connection. I hope viewers walk away with deeper questions about how exploitation might show up in their own lives—whether through the products they use, the systems they participate in, or the assumptions they carry. Ultimately, I hope to move people toward action in their own spheres of influence, using their unique skills and resources.

My original works are generally not for sale, but I’ve created other ways for people to engage and spread awareness—through prints, educational materials, and a photobook that pairs each drawing with facts and survivor stories. For me, the art is part of something larger: a movement to end modern slavery.

My work has been shown in solo exhibitions at the Lost Origins Gallery in Washington, D.C., and I’ve completed commissions for businesses and organizations including the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery—whose commissioned portrait was presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos—and The Aruna Project, a social enterprise employing survivors of human trafficking.