I HAD ALWAYS BEEN A MAKER OF THINGS

Bookmarks, cards, hand-sewn crafts - but drawing was my favourite.  I would sketch and paint in my room, mostly animals and cartoon characters.  Then I would hang them up on my bedroom walls like a giant art collage.

 

My grandfather has had a profound influence on who I am today. He lived with my grandmother in New York City, but I had only met him once in my life. I was only 10 years old and it was the best summer I ever had. He loved me for me and we had so much fun together doing the simplest of things. He was like a big kid himself and this nourished my soul.

 

"There is no money in painting, except maybe for a lucky few," my parents would often say, so as to discourage me from going down the path of art. I started to believe this and eventually gave up this dream of ever becoming an artist. Soon after, I took down all my art and no longer had the urge to create.

 

It wasn't until 2020 that I had picked up a paintbrush again.  During the lockdown I had this sudden urge to paint. I marched into a dollar store and bought myself a basic watercolour kit and a sketch pad and would paint and draw for hours non-stop.

 

Painting taught me to slow down.

Catch my breath.

Regulate my nervous system.

 

When I discovered psychedelic medicine, the chatter in my mind started to fade away. I became more curious and open hearted.  I started to unlearn old patterns and beliefs. I was meeting my soul for the first time. My paintings are love letters to my inner child - and all inner children that need love.  Allow my drawings to help you believe in yourself. Embrace your inner child, whether they are misunderstood, traumatized or simply ignored. Let your heart take over.