The idea of presenting my photography scared me—and honestly, sharing my artwork still terrifies me. But I’ve realized that moving forward isn’t just about fear; it’s also a release. It’s letting go of the pressure to be perfect and embracing the truth that creating, expressing, and sharing what inspires me has always lived inside me. There’s something deeply freeing about owning that. I take inspiration from navigating the world like a cat in a dog world—maybe not always understood, but driven by instinct and curiosity. I’ve got things to do. I’ve got things to make. And now, I have things to share.
Art became a lifeline for me in the years following two separate battles with cauda equina syndrome—a rare and serious spinal condition that left me dealing with ongoing chronic pain and the many challenges that came with it. The physical toll was immense, but the mental and emotional weight was just as heavy. In the midst of all that, art gave me a way to refocus my mind. Whether it was painting, drawing, or simply creating something with my hands, it offered a sense of control and purpose when my body felt unpredictable. Art didn’t erase the pain, but it gave me moments of peace, clarity, and even joy—helping me move forward, one creative act at a time.
