Artist Statement on Material & Technique: "My artwork is 2D mixed media collage paintings Each has about 6-8 layers of acrylic paints, oil paints, enamel paints, collaged patterned art papers, textures mediums, paint pens, grease pencil and resin. I paint animals on thick paper, cut them out, edge them and collage them onto my canvas for a 3D feel. I also use cut or torn, patterened art papers for the botanical elements like leaves and flowers for a 3D feel. I like to bring the abstract and nonabstract together in layers of patterns, shapes and focal points. I use a mix of my imagination, colors and reality to create my art. I want to create engaging and uplifting images to give the viewer a visual break from life for a moment or more."