My work almost always starts with a story. Fantasy, reality, and mystery combine to create a new, fictional life on the page; a life entirely divorced from my own, at least on the surface. For a long time, I have filtered my emotions, opinions, and experiences through the lens of a stranger’s story. With my recent work, I have decided to change that.

This time, the story is one of the self. Yes, it’s a story of loss, confusion, and uncertainty. But it’s also one of introspection, self-love, and new beginnings. A depiction of the choice to either spiral inwards and hide from the world, or grow out to meet it with open arms. A way to express the raw vulnerability of being seen, and the discomfort in seeing yourself.