The "Abstract Alchemy" series represents a transformative chapter in my artistic journey, blending mediums like acrylic, oil paints, and digital elements to delve into the complexities of human experience and the power of abstraction. In August of 2023, I had my first Solo Show in a Gallery Space in Detroit (Swords into Plowshares). I took this opportunity to display some of my recent work and address some of the ways I’ve used my abstract art to alchemize my reality.

Within this show, I debuted a few of my digital artwork that I’d had printed on canvas. Though most of the were intended to be sold as is, a couple pieces, namely “Ancestor Reunion,” were designed and printed with the intention of being painted on. Though I didn’t know it at the time, those pieces were the first in a long line of digital artwork paintings I would do. Since then, Ancestor Reunion has become my best-selling folio (open ended series of prints). The reception of those pieces + the look and feel of the digital and hand painted work inspired me to do more “photo-paintings”.

In addition to the inception of “photo-paintings,” Abstract Alchemy was deeply transformative to my conception of myself as an artist and curator. Though I have been curating art shows for myself and others since 2015, the gallery that housed Abstract Alchemy was larger than most of the other venues I’d curated and completely expanded the potential of the stories I could tell and the experiences I could create around my artwork.

The "Abstract Alchemy" series collectively explores the deep layers of human experience through a blend of abstract and figurative elements, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. By combining acrylic, oil paints, and digital techniques, these works reflect my ongoing journey to navigate the space between the tangible and intangible, the known and the mysterious. The pieces in this series, like "Ancestor Reunion" and "Decomposed Portraits," delve into the complexities of identity, heritage, and transformation, using abstraction to explore themes of connection, introspection, and the fluid nature of existence.

This series captures the dualities present in life—such as clarity and ambiguity, tradition and modernity—while inviting viewers to contemplate their own experiences of growth, change, and self-discovery. The abstract forms and vibrant colors act as a visual language that speaks to the unspoken emotions and energies that shape our lives. The "Abstract Alchemy" series, therefore, embodies the essence of "Brush and Focus" by elevating everyday moments and internal landscapes into a profound narrative about the continual journey of understanding who we are and where we come from. It reflects the power of art to transcend boundaries, allowing viewers to see beyond the surface and engage with deeper truths about their own identities and histories.