Kaitlin Merchant

My current work is an exploration of identity and transformation. I unconsciously allowed expectations and experiences to slowly obscure parts of who I truly am and what I am capable of becoming. It wasn’t until I began peeling back those layers that I rediscovered a vibrant energy within me—a brightness that demanded to be seen. My paintings reflect this process of unearthing and revealing, of embracing the light that can become lost in the haze of life’s circumstances.

Each piece starts with a bright base of neon, symbolizing the vibrance within us all. I use fine art and washi tape to create lines, shapes, and patterns, then paint over them in acrylic or oil. For my mixed media works, I incorporate discarded items that have lived out their purpose, embedding them into the piece as a reminder of past experiences and their role in shaping us. The final step is to peel away the tape, revealing the neon beneath—a direct representation of uncovering one’s true self from the accumulated layers.

This journey of creating mirrors my personal path of uncovering my strength, reclaiming my sense of self, and embracing abundance. Through my work, I hope to inspire viewers to reconnect with the bright, powerful parts of themselves that may be hiding just below the surface.