Still Here, inspired by the tragedy of the pandemic, employs Kleenex as a medium—a material that became symbolic due to its scarcity following panic-induced purchases during the shutdown in the spring of 2020.

In creating this piece, I chose skin tones to reflect our mortality and the fragility of human existence; contemplating our vulnerabilities within a modern medical establishment.

We were fortunate that this global illness was meticulously studied by nurses, doctors, and scientists, who determined the best care and treatments to maximize our chances of survival.

Yet, we all waited in fear of the unknown for days, weeks, and months, accompanied by the constant wail of ambulance sirens.

This painting seeks to capture the determination amidst the fear, utilizing materials that became invaluable; rendered in skin tones to represent the body’s degradation.