Untamed Joy

Untamed Joy is a series devoted to animals that rarely take center stage, placed into situations that are slightly strange, gently absurd, and unexpectedly human. These paintings lean into humour without becoming ironic, using play as a way to speak about freedom, authenticity, and ease.

I’m drawn to animals that feel overlooked or misunderstood, and to moments that don’t follow the rules of what’s expected. By placing them in uncommon settings or exaggerated poses, I’m interested in what happens when seriousness dissolves. The result is work that invites laughter first and reflection second.

This series is about letting go of self-consciousness, releasing the need to perform, and remembering that joy doesn’t need permission to exist. It’s untamed because it’s honest, and joyful because it refuses to explain itself.