Birthday Boy (2021) is the first installment of the ‘Joy & Wonder’ series. The ‘Joy’ half and the ‘Wonder’ half each have their own distinct feel.

The ‘Joy’ portion of the series is inspired by nostalgic feelings and bringing more black joy in art. I want these pieces to heal and make people feel good instantly just by looking at them.

The ‘Wonder’ pieces are inspired by children’s imaginations being so vast and uncorrupted like ours are. Going through life, we get told things aren’t possible and we then, lose our flame. But children often think anything is possible. I want to explore my inner child and everyone else’s along the way and find that flame again.

Birthday Boy is the perfect piece to start off the ‘Joy’ portion. Birthdays and holidays as a child felt more important than anything to me. They were magical. Growing up I feel that I, along with others, have lost that same excitement and joy. I want this piece to bring smiles to faces and find that magical feeling again.