My experience is one that many other women have experienced, but boy oh boy did it shape who I was. 

Since I was just a young babe, I'd always been a creative, but it was when I found myself overwhelmed as a new mom that I knew I needed to dedicate myself to something that was just for me… That something was painting, specifically portraits, and damn, what a lifesaver!

Welp, if you are thinking, “I bet her relationship ended, and there she was—a single mom making $14 an hour with a 2-year-old on her hip and expenses that just doubled in size..." Then yes, you would be right (and eerily spot on!).

Was it terrifying? Oh yes. Was it also oddly empowering? Yes… eventually. Truthfully, the thing that saved me were stories of other women who had major, ruthless, unfair shit handed to them, and they worked miracles and turned their lives into sparkly abundant diamonds with no one to thank but themselves. These stories gave me the opposite of the “fuck-its” (which, thank goodness, because I already had plenty of those), and instead reminded me that if they can do it, so can I! These average, everyday, regular women saved my life and also reminded me that life wasn't just about survival but also about enjoying the ride, making the memories, and breaking the narrow-minded stereotypes. These are the types of women you will see in my portrait paintings. They represent you, and me, and all the other incredible women who wake up day after day, spinning straw into gold, regardless of the long hours, shit pay, lack of thank-yous, and support and recognition. These are the ones changing lives and are meant to be displayed in your space as a reminder of the matriarchal legacy you are a part of. These paintings are meant to be affirmations for your walls to celebrate with you and to lift your chin up on the hard days. To remind you of your audacity and what you are capable of.

I love you. You're worth it.