Like getting some air, gazing at the small, sparkling dots in the sky in a silent night, playing a good song and just wishing you could go back in time or like passing by those special, old spots that you shared with someone, I want my work to take you back to a feeling.

Like a stupid, tricky riddle, I want to give your mind something to think about. Perhaps how beautiful life can be when you start noticing the leaves on trees and the branches dancing with the wind or the nostalgia and loneliness that comes when you find yourself staring at nothing, thinking about how you miss being a kid, thinking thoughts. Perhaps bus rides or the feeling you know when the sun warms your skin after very gloomy days.

My paintings reflect what I think and feel. Reality, scars, fears, and expressive faces have such an effect on me. I find peace in what is natural and real, but the issues of the world also move me. Exploring the depths of my mind, my states and colors that are ever-changing is crucial in my practice and although it is so personal, seeing others experience it is absolutely priceless. My strong emotions make me want to ignite them within you.

Currently, acrylic has been my main medium, the amount of layers you can add to give paintings a seamless look lets me represent my portraits the closest to real life that I can. Detail and intricacy are aspects I have been passionate about for years; pores, creases, every bit of shadow and light I can see. However, just recently, experimenting and approaching painting wth a looser hand, more freedom and spontaneity have become a craving of mine. Intense color as well as what goes on in my head, inspires me to be bold, but I am also drawn to softness and the delicacy of tired eyes.

I am just at the start, creating and awaiting my armored future. I have a long way to go and am excited to keep discovering about my own work. I know it will feel like a tight hug from momma and her sweet, gripping hands.

Paloma Ruiz Chong