Athens here we come!

Let's talk about trauma

Let's talk about trauma. (Seeing that today is Maundy Thursday, it felt like a good day for it.) I fully believe that most everyone has experienced trauma on some level. There are the examples that come to mind quickly- abuse, addiction, death- but trauma can go much deeper than that. It can happen when you're shamed for being yourself, when you're told your thoughts or feelings are invalid, even something as seemingly small as having no one to sit with at lunch. These "mini-traumas" happen each and every day and they shape our values, our personalities, and our souls. ASHES is my way of exploring the effects of trauma (my own, those of who I love, and those of society) and how our traumas can be reshaped to strengthen and focus us. How when we recognize our own traumas we allow space for something new and beautiful to be born. Something vulnerable, compassionate, and true. In my artist statement I named it "emotional kintsugi" in reference to the Japanese art of mending pottery with gold to create a piece even more special and beautiful than before by emphasizing its brokenness. Such a beautiful thought, right? That our scars don't have to be hidden? That they can be embraced and loved?

If you haven't had a moment to check out ASHES, head over to my site to see the entire collection. And if you feel moved enough to purchase a piece, know that I am honored to have my work hanging in your home.

ASHES Artist Statement

Critiques used to be the hardest part of being an artist. The thought of displaying my work- paintings that I'd poured my soul into- up in front of everyone to see, to evaluate, to judge; it was scary.

But critiques don't make me nervous anymore. Take it or leave it, this is my art and I'm proud of what I create.

Nope, critiques don't scare me, but my artist statements sure do. Their vulnerability, the fact that I'm not really a poet (yet I tend to write in prose), the fact that my words can easily be misconstrued or misinterpreted- it's all a bit terrifying.

I write my statements in pieces- jotting down lines as they come to me. Constantly collecting little bits of the final piece as I'm painting, driving, talking, even sleeping. Eventually all the pieces are there and I just have to arrange them.

And when I read it and a tightness forms in the back of my throat? The one we all feel when we're overcome or about to cry? That's when I know it's finished.

When it's just raw enough that I'm almost too afraid to share it.

Last night I switched two words in the ASHES statement (poem?) and the tightness came.

So now it's time to share.

“That’s not empathy

it’s trauma

A heightened sensitivity borne from years

Tiptoeing around the eggshells littered across your floor.

Exhale.

You do not need permission to case off your armor

To release the breath you’ve held inside.

Unpack your laundry

Let the golden rays wash it anew while

Your delicate heart mends.

Fragile, but unbroken.

Strengthened by emotional kintsugi

(Being unaccepted does not make you

unacceptable)

Set those thoughts on fire

Watch them spark and burn

Fleeting choreography twisting in the breeze

Wipe the soot from your eyes- the charred

Remnants from under your nails.

Spread your wings

Stretch their muscles and

Rise from the ashes

Reborn.”

ASHES launches tomorrow!

One more day! Only one more day until these paintings make their debut to the world. I am so proud of these and can’t wait for you to see all eighteen of them. Artist statement coming soon!

Two months of work

Two months since the first brushstroke of this collection went down. Always cool (and a little surreal) to see it all come together.

ASHES goes live THIS Thursday, but if you’re on my email list I’ll send you a password tomorrow for early access. (You have until 8:30ish tomorrow to get on the list!)

Can’t wait for you to see what I’ve been working on these past few weeks.

Studio view

Custom Murals

Got to see this beauty again yesterday and still cannot get over how gorgeous she is. I just want to sit and stare at her. Thank you thank you to @suthingirl for letting me paint on your walls (and @stevemckenzies for designing such an amazing space!)❤️

Do you want your house to have the coolest, most one of a kind art ever?! Of course you do. (Because you’re unique and love beautiful things.) So let’s talk murals! From accent walls and powder rooms, to dining rooms or entire hallways- the possibilities are endless.

I’m currently filling spots for June and July so let’s get you on the list!

What are you waiting for (Snowfall and Avalanche)

I was sitting in my studio earlier this week looking at two pieces I did a little while back that I never posted. I loved them, but I kept waiting for the "perfect time" to share them. The "perfect" collection to include them in, the "perfect" story, what have you.

This morning I woke up and asked myself "what are you waiting for?"
I'd painted them,
I was excited by them,
and I wanted to share them with you.

If that doesn't sound like the "perfect" time, then I'm not sure what would.

So, here they are! "Avalanche" and "Snowfall" are officially available on the site. Click here if you'd like to make them yours! (And then please send me all the photos so I can ooh and ahh.)

And while we are speaking about new work- mark your calendars, because my newest painting collection ASHES launches March 18th!