In 2020, I had major surgery during the pandemic. When I did get back in my studio, for some reason I found myself carving abstracted heart-shaped forms into panels or drawing them as part of an underpainting. They were everywhere, and totally not “me”. But I found it comforting to have these little symbols hiding in my work, cheering me on as I healed.

These pieces all dance around with themes pertaining to love, healing, loyalty, and balance. With each trip around the sun, I find myself more and more interested in prioritizing my own dreams and happiness, something that hasn’t always been the case. Each of these pieces are a reminder and source of encouragement to push myself and those I love in the right direction for however many trips we have left.