"My paintings are designed to captivate and engage, drawing on the tradition of European still life to emphasize the significance of each object. Inspired by my love of reading and storytelling, I infuse my work with a sense of performance, where familiar items take on new roles and meanings. The objects I call my characters are recognizable: plastic dinosaurs, wooden bunnies, golden beetles, and stacks of books that evoke shared experiences. Yet, when placed together, their composition invites viewers to activate their imagination" 

- Bella Wattles