This painting started as "Violet Flame" in my Miami studio in 2021 — one of my first times using oil sticks, with a totally different composition. I always knew that original piece wasn't quite right, but I kept it around because I loved the big canvas.

Then in 2024, I went to Japan for about 10 days by myself, and that trip changed everything. The indigo dyes, the pottery glazes, the different textures in Japanese textiles — it all helped me see subtleties in color differently. I also saw an exhibition of the Seagram murals by Mark Rothko, which inspired me to do whatever composition I wanted, even if that meant keeping it simple.

When I came back, I looked at the original painting and knew it was time. I painted over it completely and "Violet Water" was born. The blues have these quiet shifts — almost purple in some places, then blue, then green, with magenta underlayers peeking through. The dark edges contrast with the lighter center in a way that just pulls you in.

This piece is about the freedom of knowing nothing is permanent — I can always paint over something, so why be scared of trying new things? Can be hung horizontal or vertical.