kipi

I've always been artistic. Peers and family members championed me since my early years as one of those creative types with some talent. My artistic endeavors were furthered by my dad who taught me stained glass, glass etching, and b&w photography. It all came to me so naturally.

As a four year old without siblings, I worked tirelessly at my pint-sized craft table. Putting aside my dolls, I used every spare moment for making art- crafting decorations out of construction paper, markers, pipe cleaners, and glitter of every hue. In our house, nothing was hung on the refrigerator, but on the front door where passers-by could admire my latest masterpiece. My designs were officially on display in my first “gallery.” Feeling a bitter rivalry with the holiday gewgaws my mom purchased at the local five and dime for Halloween or Christmas, my homemade versions had to be superior to anything that was store-bought.

The work of Norman Rockwell was the only art I knew aside from my own creations, and I believed that all painting and drawing must look photorealistic in order to be deemed worthy of the title, "art". Later, the study of modern art made me realize how beautiful loose brush strokes and mark-making could be, and was a fine example in setting me free with my own painting.

In college, I declared biology with a pre-med focus as my major because one must have a "real job" in the real world. As a break from organic chemistry and vertebrate zoology, I joined the art majors on a trip to NYC. I saw an incredible exhibition where every piece mirrored my scientific studies but on these walls, were transformed into something so beautiful. I knew that these expressive works conveyed what I was trying to communicate in my own artistic dabbles. My instincts revealed that I had no desire to study medicine, and changed my major to fine art as soon as I returned to campus.

Chemistry and biology soon gave way to drawing and color theory. I also painted a relatively new discovery in mathematics, fractals, and worked with the math department to understand their existence. By incorporating science into my painting, I remained connected to my artistic roots and medical studies simultaneously. My art can now be described as the confluence of my science background with the patterns and inspiration of my urban environment, particularly colorful graffiti murals.

Art as a career path has been full of challenges and sacrifices. In the end, I know that I didn't choose art, but art chose me.