The eponymous moniker, TAO, is a pseudonym and a reference to the artist’s inspiration. Taoism is a philosophical tradition emphasizing harmony with “the way” – an enigmatic process of transformation ultimately underlying reality. As practiced by the artist, Taoism is a blend of spiritualism and self-reflection expressed through their artwork. As a protegee of Master Artist Sir Daniel Winn, TAO incorporates similar surrealistic elements in the artwork. Characterized by a bright palette with sharply defined edges and contours, TAO’s work seeks to explore reality through surrealism and spiritualism through form. The artist chooses to avoid identity, ethnicity, and gender to universalize the spiritual artistic message behind their painting.