but it wasn't until 2019 that I found my true artistic calling. I was Initially drawn to realism through landscapes, but found myself constrained by the expectations of this style, even if these expectations were self imposed. It wasn’t until I embraced my intuition and allowed my work to evolve organically that I found my passion: using color as the primary inspiration. I began focusing on the relationships between colors, and geometric patterns naturally emerged as the perfect template for contextualizing the colors I was drawn to. 

For several years, I balanced a career in the corporate world with my passion for painting, often rushing home from work to dive straight into my "second job". Weekends were spent immersed in the process, staying up all night to paint. During work hours, my thoughts were consumed by my current painting, or what I wanted to do next. It was this relentless drive and passion that ultimately propelled me towards embracing art full-time in 2021, where I'm now able to channel all my energy and creativity into each new painting. My creative process is deeply meditative—a repetitive ritual that quiets my mind; where the outside world fades away, and all that remains is the precision and quality of each brushstroke.

 I have a Bachelors in Psychology, and have found ways to incorporate this knowledge into my practice, from the structural biology of perception, to the calculated ways of sharing my process with the world. Op-art, after all, is all about messing with the perception of the viewer. Understanding the nuance of how structure, color, and value can be interpreted in the brain is fundamental to my work. I often reference my textbooks for new ideas.

 With no formal art training, trial and error has been the bedrock of my practice. My artistic growth has been shaped by experimentation with various techniques and materials, and I continue to evolve with each new piece. This dedication to continual improvement is reflected in my work, as I'm always seeking fresh ways to elevate old ideas, and push new ones further. 

 In my work, I adopt an organizational approach, where titles are categorized by numbers that correspond to the type of design, colors, and color structure used. My artistic process appears very Type-A, driven by a love for precision, order, and symmetry. Being a very Type-B person in my life, I found it odd that my work seemed to reflect the opposite. In truth, my work is a direct reflection of my Type- B nature. While my work is driven by math, geometry, control, and exactness, I excel in this style because I'm not bothered by perfection. The central theme of my work is balance. Balance in composition, color, and imperfection. The basic theme of balance in my work comes down to this: If it looks right and feels right, it's right. If I were truly Type A in my work, I'd never finish a painting. I'd obsess over any mathematical imperfection, even that which is invisible without measuring tools. 

 Echols’ journey as an artist is a testament to the power of intuition, self-discovery, and dedication to growth and learning. Each painting is an exploration of color, symmetry, and personal growth, creating an ever-evolving narrative between artist and canvas."