The Artist Statement (Jawnism)
Jawnism is an art movement that embodies the rhythm, resilience, and soul of Philadelphia. The word “jawn”—a uniquely Philly term—can mean a person, place, thing, or event. Growing up, I used it to describe just about everything that caught my attention: “That jawn looks good!” This flexibility mirrors the creative energy and adaptability that define both the city and my art.
My paintings and collages serve as visual stories drawn from my life growing up in Philadelphia during the 1980s and 1990s. Through layers of acrylic paint, collage materials, and nostalgic imagery, I document the experiences that shaped me—watching Saturday morning cartoons, playing at neighborhood playgrounds, and tasting the unique flavors of Philly cuisine. As I grew older, my world expanded to include trips to the Gallery Mall in Center City, the arcades on Chestnut Street, and countless moments shared with friends that still echo in my memory.
Jawnism transforms these personal recollections into universal reflections on culture, identity, and community. Each work is both a tribute and a time capsule—capturing the spirit of a city that taught me creativity, toughness, and pride. Through Jawnism, I seek to preserve the visual language of my past while celebrating the everyday beauty that defines Philadelphia.
My paintings and collages serve as visual stories drawn from my life growing up in Philadelphia during the 1980s and 1990s. Through layers of acrylic paint, collage materials, and nostalgic imagery, I document the experiences that shaped me—watching Saturday morning cartoons, playing at neighborhood playgrounds, and tasting the unique flavors of Philly cuisine. As I grew older, my world expanded to include trips to the Gallery Mall in Center City, the arcades on Chestnut Street, and countless moments shared with friends that still echo in my memory.
Jawnism transforms these personal recollections into universal reflections on culture, identity, and community. Each work is both a tribute and a time capsule—capturing the spirit of a city that taught me creativity, toughness, and pride. Through Jawnism, I seek to preserve the visual language of my past while celebrating the everyday beauty that defines Philadelphia.