I have been affected by cancer in my family more times than anyone should have to, and it has left a mark on my artistic motivations. Watching my mom struggle to be proud of her body after it betrayed her in such a drastic way was heart breaking. Being able to create artwork that allows the subject to feel safe and loved in their own body again is not only a privilege but a necessity for me. Yes, our history is always a part of who we are and what we become but it does not have to define us.
The impact of hardships can feel like defeat but recognizing the beauty in our flaws can allow for growth and recovery. Changing who we are does not have to be a negative but our ability to embrace past experiences and visualize depictions of our reality with our so-called flaws can allow for our sense of self to flourish.