This collection has been quite a journey.
In April 2024, I had a total knee replacement that required more recovery than I expected. My creative mind was dulled by rehab and painkillers, leaving me distracted and uninspired. To say I experienced both a physical and mental shift would be an understatement — I’m not even in the same body I was a year ago. I’ve had to learn patience with myself. For an artist, being unable to create is one thing — not wanting to is quite another. It makes you question a lot.
I struggled with the Essence collection — not just because of the post-operative challenges, but because it’s so close to my heart. It’s easy to trace it back to its catalyst, but I won’t get into that here. This isn’t about chasing a hot topic or capitalizing on personal experiences for attention. I want to create art that carries a meaningful and lasting message — and that made it especially difficult.
I began the series with pieces I felt were pretty successful. But what followed just didn’t work. I made hundreds of versions, but nothing seemed to spark.
I think I needed to loosen up — which, honestly, feels like the story of my life. I felt the urge to lean into uncertainty and let go of perfectionism to discover a new beginning.
The pieces that followed were loose and abstract. I wasn’t sure they were quite there yet, but as I let go of those tight, controlled lines and moved toward something more soulful, I started to like where it was going. Still, stepping into something new was hard.
I plan to create video pieces from these — they feel like they want to move. I’m also exploring some lenticular printing options that will combine versions into one piece.
I Hear You Listening as Identity Whispers
I See You Searching the Tapestry of Self
As with most of my work, ESSENCE explores perception, perspective, and individual reality. But at its core, it’s about empathy, tolerance, and the light we all carry within us. We form unyielding impressions of others — complex and deeply rooted. This series invites us to see with the heart, to look beyond what’s visible and reach for the intangible, honoring the soul within every person. My hope is to inspire a deeper appreciation for the light we each carry and to foster more profound connections. Each piece I create reflects a pursuit to understand the true essence of individuals, free from the surface labels society often imposes.
The poetry speaks as a letter to all who seek their true identity and the unique essence that goes beyond names.
THE PROSE…
the tapestry of self
I hear you listening
as identity whispers
I feel you reaching
into depths unmeasured
I watch you seeking
your singular soul
You will find your truth
deep within the flame
We will know the essence
that is beyond a name
