Candace Alexandres, artist

“I’ve always felt like two very different people. One part of me craves structure — the planner, the over-analyzer, the one who likes knowing where she’s headed. The other part? She’s messy, spontaneous, restless. Painting is the first thing that has let both sides of me show up and feel fully seen. I start my paintings with loose, expressive washes, then I slow down and bring in the more thoughtful part of myself, adding layers with intention and care.

My paintings always play with translucency and opacity— I love the way a color or shape can show through just enough to hint at what came before or be hidden entirely to make way for something new. To me, that’s what being human feels like. We’re built from every choice and experience, every place we’ve been, and every version of ourselves we’ve been. Some of those layers sit close to the surface, while others quietly shape what comes next. Using a variety of media, including acrylics, oils, pencils, and markers, gives me the tools I need to tell that story—to shine a light on all the contradictions and experiences that make me who I am.”