There has always been a universal attraction to marine life, but why? For me, the allure lies in their beauty, mystery, and spirit of exploration. Since childhood, I have been captivated by both zoos and aquariums. Whenever my family and I went on vacation, we prioritized visiting one or the other. My first artwork displayed in an exhibition was a watercolor painting of two koi fish swimming in a pond in 2021. When I began studying at Bradley University, I continued to create more marine-themed artworks. These marine creatures have been a consistent theme in my work for nearly eight years and are ongoing. I utilize stylization and painterly techniques to present a unique perspective on the essence of the marine wildlife world. Alongside the many creatures I have explored, I have experimented with various mediums, including oil and acrylic paints, gouache, watercolor, ceramics, bronze, resin, printmaking, book arts, letterpress, and several drawing mediums. My favorites will always include any of the painting mediums. The marine creatures I have explored include seahorses, manta rays, squid, swordfish, penguins, and many more. I enjoy revisiting creatures, such as jellyfish, whales, and octopuses. I find it ironic that I live in the heart of Illinois yet continue to paint creatures that inhabit waters thousands of miles away, relying solely on photographic references and my imagination. However, a human’s instinct to explore the unreachable is natural to our minds. I want my art to be a form of awareness to keep these beautiful creatures safe from all of their destruction.