Personal Influences
“Two of the most defining moments of my life — the birth of my daughter and the death of my grandmother — deeply influence my art.
My daughter’s arrival gave me a new understanding of love, hope, and legacy. It awakened a tenderness and a sense of purpose that breathes life into my work. At the same time, losing my grandmother, who was a pillar of strength and wisdom in my life, taught me the profound beauty and ache of grief.
These experiences manifest in my art through the contrasts I explore: strength and vulnerability, joy and sorrow, permanence and loss. I often work in charcoal because its raw, unfiltered texture mirrors the emotions I’m channeling. The use of black, gold, and white in my pieces symbolizes the cycles of life — mourning, memory, and rebirth.
Every stroke carries a whisper of those moments, honoring both the love that continues to grow and the love that had to be let go.”
Artistic Style
My artistic style is emotional and raw. I focus on capturing real feelings — like love, perseverance, identity, and grief — using strong contrasts of black, white, and sometimes gold. I work mainly with charcoal, which gives my pieces a deep, smoky look, almost like memories captured on paper. My work is about telling human stories without needing words, and inviting people to feel something personal when they look at it.”
Hopes and Aspirations
“I hope people feel seen when they experience my art — like it touches a part of them they might not always show. I want them to feel the weight of love, the strength it takes to keep going, the questions we ask about who we are, and the quiet spaces where grief lives. I want my art to feel like a mirror for their emotions, a place where they realize they’re not alone in what they carry.”
Connect with RossArtwork81
Interested in learning more or commissioning a piece? Contact me today.