In the world of creativity, titles are more than labels—they’re the bridge between an artist’s intention and the audience’s interpretation.

The process of titling a work varies widely among artists, authors, and musicians, each revealing something unique about the creator’s approach to their craft. For some, titles arise from themes or emotions, while others draw from descriptive imagery or color. Titles can also emerge from symbolism and metaphor, adding layers of meaning, or from a narrative or storytelling perspective, hinting at a larger idea within the work.

For me, I find it’s best to wait until a work is complete before discovering what it wants to be called. Naming too early feels like holding it back, locking it into a single meaning. Waiting allows the title to become a final layer, complementing the visual story or feeling I hope to convey. Only once a piece is finished do I choose how it’s ready to speak to me.

Looking back at these works, you’ll see how each title connects to what was unfolding within the painting. “Life in Layers” speaks to a time of personal and creative transition, with each layer embodying the shifts and revelations that emerged along the way. “Froth” offers a more direct interpretation, evoking the foaming ocean water on the beach—a moment of natural movement and texture that found its way into the painting. And “Overlay” reflects how the colors interact as they layer and shift together, capturing the flow of color relationships.

If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?