Collaboration is when more than one person communicates and works together toward a shared goal. To me, it means being open to others’ ideas, allowing them into your process, and being flexible to change as new perspectives shape the outcome.

In my art, I primarily work alone, but I’m constantly influenced by my surroundings—a form of collaboration with life itself. Perhaps we never work totally alone. 

For the past few years, I was primarily based in NYC while studying at SVA, immersed in a vibrant art scene surrounded by galleries and museums. Now living in Jersey City, where the art scene has a quieter presence. I’ve had more time to reflect, digest, and reconnect with my life in art.

In 2023 and 2024, I experienced a transformative journey, embracing spirituality in my work through guidance from Rico Gaston, who always reminds me of the light in my practice. Later, I began confronting my shadow self, with a pivotal moment occurring during Marilyn Minter’s critiques when I cut one of my paintings. This act led to a breakdown but also marked the beginning of uncovering hidden, suppressed memories and voices.

Jennifer Wen Ma later observed that I was still hiding behind a veil. Through her mentorship, I let out the deeply personal story with spirituality to the surface.