03/31/2026
It felt like such an accomplishment today to be able to share a piece of myself with the public today at the reception (Bethel University, MN). A year ago, I wouldn’t have considered sharing this vulnerable journal-style book. It is SO meaningful to me to allow others to resonate with my work in a way that is greater than my experiences. Super proud of all the artists in this show! This was my last (and 3rd) Raspberry Monday, but perhaps my favorite! I’m thankful to my profs and the faculty for their unending encouragement, support, and wisdom.
A little background to this piece: this book is a part of a series, “She Carries Me,” that I created last year in Guided Practice Painting. It came in a time where I was grappling with my identity, missing home and family thousands of miles away, dealing with multiple medication changes, weight gain, and recovering from burnout from the previous semester. I primarily used the color blue because that was the only color that accurately described the state of life I was in. I have an interest in documenting “real life,” even if that means sitting in uncomfortable and negative spaces. I hope my work can validate others’ experiences and connect to my audience in ways that help us to not feel alone during uncertainty.
